Interview realised with
CM: Carlos A. Mora | MO: Marco Ochoa | IR: Irene Reynoso

Rooted in local architecture

CM: Once again, there’s a reference to Barragán. Barragán and his travels to Europe, where he encountered Ferdinand Bac's gardens, have inspired us. Our studio's name is a nod to this influence. Barragán brought these ideas to Mexico, interpreting what a Mexican garden should be. Elements like patios, walls, and terraces are not only iconic but necessary due to the city's climate. At Bac, we strive to create gardens that integrate with this architecture. If the project allows, we design the architecture to enhance the garden, creating elements of surprise, shadow, pathways, and resting spots that complement the architectural project without competing with it.

Balancing the Ecosystem 

CM: We prioritize using native species in our projects. Over time, these species have diminished in Guadalajara due to competition with invasive species, often introduced by the government in public areas due to a lack of knowledge. From a project perspective, reintroducing native species brings numerous benefits. They require less care, water, and maintenance. Ideally, a well-designed garden with native species needs no upkeep, allowing nature to take its course. This reduces pests and diseases and naturally reintroduces native fauna that has been disappearing. Moreover, it helps restore a piece of local geography to the city. Introducing exotic species disrupts the local ecosystem, leading to issues like the spread of pests such as Melinis repens from Africa, which is damaging native species across the country. We aim to halt the normalization of invasive species as decorative plants.

Cultivating a Landscape Culture

CM: Proposing solutions isn't always easy, especially to clients accustomed to exotic species. Many people can't distinguish between native and imported species. Informing clients about the benefits of natural aesthetics, like those found in a local forest, is crucial. Clients often seek exotic species because those are the species commonly sold in nurseries. As a result, many gardens and public spaces are filled with non-native plants. Our job includes educating clients about the advantages of using native species, such as reduced water usage and fewer pests, which not only benefit the environment but also lower maintenance costs.

MO: Many constructions in Guadalajara follow a standardized architectural style, using the same exotic or invasive species in gardens. Over time, clients have lost track of whether species are native or imported. Historically, exotic plants used for centuries become considered native. We work with like-minded individuals to create gardens in this way, aiming to foster a landscape culture that helps people understand these concepts.

Towards a New Garden Culture

CM: Over the years, we've built a team of experts to promote the use of native species and spread awareness about their benefits. We face two main challenges: private developments and client acceptance. Urban developments often have their own rules, including which species can be used in shared green areas. Additionally, clients are often hesitant to embrace gardens that change drastically, like those designed by Piet Oudolf, whose gardens require seasonal cutting. Introducing native species has been challenging, but we continue to present clients with a palette of recommended species, emphasizing the benefits of including native plants.

The Office as an Experimental Space

CM: Our office includes a patio designed with native species, water features, and local materials like tepetate (a hardened soil) and river stones. This space serves as a practical example for clients, showcasing various techniques, materials, and native species. For instance, tepetate, often seen as just dirt, creates a pleasant, mud-free and dust-free surface. 

MO: Lighting is another crucial aspect of our gardens. Proper lighting design can greatly enhance a space, making it as important as the plants themselves. 

CM: We aim to create gardens that attract birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Native plant gardens change throughout the year, attracting different animal species and maintaining ecosystem balance. For example, cosmos flowers bloom in autumn, providing seasonal color and attracting various animals, contributing to the garden's ecological balance.

Alternative Perspectives

MO: The Jardín VT project exemplifies our concepts. A client had a lawn that dried up due to lack of sunlight. We proposed an outdoor patio with water features and native species, integrating various elements like pathways and benches. This transformed the space into an extension of the house, offering a new perspective from the interior. This project was selected for the Jalisco Architecture Biennial. Another example is the Alcal project in Nayarit, where we applied pre-Hispanic geometry to a 1,000-square-meter garden between buildings, creating a space that combines native species, pathways, and a patio on a basement level, presenting an exciting challenge for us.

A Public Challenge

MO: Public projects often lack research-based species selection, leading to high plant mortality rates. Proper research would result in cost savings and more enduring plants. We sometimes feel these projects are more for show at the inauguration. Currently, we're assisting Zapopan municipality, transforming their municipal nursery to focus on native species.

IR: We believe private support is essential to ease public involvement. Our projects emphasize that landscapes are ecosystems. Understanding and promoting this concept is vital for achieving social impact. Revitalizing abandoned spaces through gardens and involving local communities can transform areas plagued by violence and neglect. Engaging locals, including gardeners, carpenters, and blacksmiths, fosters a sense of ownership and improves the quality of their environment. Mapping and revitalizing cultural arteries in the city can draw people closer to nature, a core aspect of our practice.