Alejandro Zohn Rosenthal. Materials, Forms and Imaginaries of Modern Architecture in Guadalajara (Mexico)

Abstract

In late fifties the city of Guadalajara has drown in its urban trace practically every change which makes it a modern city, this image in further times would be enhanced by architectonic symbols, this new architectural building industry that would diversify through founding architects of architectural education in the west of the country and young graduates of the School of Architecture. First Julio de la Peña will carry on the representation of the state to every corner of the city, then Alejandro Zohn whom was a part of a generation that built the end of century's city image. Formal proposals arrivals from Europe will enrich the local architecture, but far from assuming its influence passively gets strengthened with the local vision that they will build. Alejandro Zohn Rosenthal was born in Vienna, after the vicissitudes of World War II, his family migrates to Mexico a settles in Guadalajara, he initiates engineering studies and shortly after architectural studies, taking both courses simultaneously. In 1954 He finished his engineering career and in 1958 finds the opportunity for a great work under the patronage of the then mayor, Mr. Jorge Matute Remus. The Mercado Libertad market better known as San Juan de Dios transforms the neighborhood in which it stands and becomes an antecedent of large shopping centers that will happen thanks to Alejandro's work which slowly will change the city's image and the relationships with its citizens to become later in Guadalajara's Heritage. The forms, materials and technology used in this building will be then used in the constructions of homes, condominium, sports centers, schools, offices, etc. at the end these buildings will transform the city's image and Guadalajara acquires a new identity in which its citizens feels part of a modern world.