“The goal is to have one singular idea which creates the structure of the project and which will make it unique. A lot of design elements can be produced around this, but that vertebral column of the project is what will make it very strong”, states Ludwig Godefroy.
Ludwig Godefroy, a French-born architect now based in Mexico, has cultivated a deep and affectionate connection with both his country of birth and his adopted home. Mexico, in particular, has been a wellspring of inspiration, leading him to establish his own architecture studio, Ludwig Godefroy Architecture, in 2011.
With a background in architecture from Paris and diverse experiences at renowned firms worldwide, including New York’s Leeser Architecture, Barcelona’s Enric Miralles/Benedetta Tagliabue, Rotterdam’s OMA/Rem Koolhaas, and Mexico City’s Tatiana Bilbao, Godefroy’s design philosophy centers on the concept of “harmony.” He sees architecture as a deeply subjective endeavor but finds that achieving harmony, the delicate intersection of various elements, is a source of wonder and the genesis of his projects. This approach is rooted in sensitivity, curiosity, emotion, and the historical context of each building. Godefroy’s perception of time as an arbiter of true architectural essence guides his work, valuing the gradual patina that lends authenticity and beauty to structures. He champions simplicity, aiming to unveil the core essence of a building while offering a contemporary reinterpretation of its cultural heritage.
Godefroy emphasizes the intrinsic connection between his architectural creations and the landscapes they inhabit. His journey in Mexico has seen a shift from a reliance on a diverse array of materials to a more minimalist, Brutalist style characterized by the use of a limited selection of essential elements. This evolution in his approach stems, in part, from the unique challenges posed by the Mexican terrain and the initial frustration he encountered due to inconsistent material availability. The result of this transformation is a portfolio of architectural designs marked by abstraction and geometric precision, where materials are straightforward yet substantial, and where a significant majority of the structural elements are prominently exposed for all to see.
Working in Mexico offers Ludwig a remarkable degree of creative freedom, thanks to its inviting climate and more relaxed regulations. He notes, “Here, there are fewer constraints and bureaucratic controls, and the alignment of worker availability and material prices is harmonious. If I were attempting to work with concrete and cast it on-site in the US or Europe, the proposal might be deemed too expensive and impractical. In Mexico, I can construct in a manner reminiscent of how my grandfather would have built in his era.”
These advantages and challenges have converged to make Ludwig’s distinctive design style not only feasible for the region but also inherently timeless. He emphasizes, “When you construct a building with intricate finishes, they inevitably degrade over time. In contrast, my designs maintain their integrity, and you can return after 15 years, finding them virtually unchanged. I’ve truly embraced this concept, a thread running through all my work. While my projects are diverse, they share a kinship that goes beyond their differences.”
Ludwig’s creative wellspring draws from what he describes as a “concordance” between the concrete bunkers of his childhood along the French Normandy coast and the Mexican pyramids he has encountered in adulthood. This concordance need not adhere to conventional logic but rather serves as an extraordinary nexus between elements, sparking inspiration and creating a unique starting point. He underscores, “This connection between my two cultures—the land of my birth and my home for the past 15 years—is a personal narrative. It’s my perspective and my story, even if it may not hold historical significance in the eyes of other architects.”
