"I don't divide architecture, landscape and gardening; to me they are one"

Luis Barragán’s view reveals a profound understanding of the interconnectedness between architecture, landscape, and gardening. He sees them not as separate disciplines, each isolated within its own boundaries, but as elements of a cohesive whole that together shape the human experience of place. By refusing to draw lines between these practices, Barragán elevates the importance of context, memory, culture, and nature in the creation of meaningful environments.

Architecture, traditionally regarded as the art and science of constructing buildings, often holds a central position in design discourse. However, gardens and landscapes are equally potent in shaping how people interact with spaces. Barragán perceives the synergy that can result when these aspects are harmoniously blended: a garden can be an extension of a house, a landscape can be a room without a ceiling, and a building can become complete only through its dialogue with nature.

His philosophy resonates most vividly in his own projects, where water, color, light, plants, and structural forms engage in a seamless dance. Instead of imposing strict separations, he advocates for designs that acknowledge the continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach celebrates the capacity of gardens to soothe and inspire, the way architecture can frame a view, or how landscaping can guide movement, together creating holistic, poetic environments.

Barragán’s statement also encourages designers to think beyond utility, to draw from local traditions, the spirit of place, and emotional resonance. He implies that environments attain their fullest expression not through fragmentation, but through integration. The borderless approach suggests that true beauty in built form comes from the sensitive weaving of architecture, landscape, and gardening, resulting in spaces that nurture the soul and reflect the complexity of life itself.