About Mexican Architectural Collections

Abstract

When conceiving this thematic issue on Latin American architecture and urbanism collections, the guest editors decided to open the call to anyone able to share reflections and experiences related to their respective collections, without favoring any particular institution. The name of Louise Noelle emerged as a unanimous choice. Throughout her prolific career, Noelle has not worked specifically with any single collection; it is precisely for this reason that she could offer a broader perspective while remaining deeply engaged in the understanding and protection of collections. She shares with us this work as a scholar, teacher, critic, and advocate for both local and international heritage.
In this brief conversation, Louise Noelle discusses the history of architectural archives in Mexico City. She describes various collections and the materials they make available, both at the institutional level and within the holdings of major twentieth-century architects, this is her area of specialization. She also outlines the creation and development of the current Archive of Mexican Architecture at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, a process in which she indirectly took part. Finally, she addresses with sorrow the expatriation of the collections of important Mexican architects.