a+u 2026:09 Feature:Félix Candela – Legacy of Shells
Content
The September 2026 issue of a+u focuses on the achievements of structural engineer Félix Candela (1910–1997) in the realm of shell structures. Under the supervision of guest editor Professor Juan Ignacio del Cueto, the issue traces Candela’s career – as a structural engineer, educator, and exile – through 24 selected projects. Born in Spain, Candela realized some of the era’s most daring structures in Mexico, elevating reinforced concrete into an architectural material of remarkable lightness and expressive richness. Later, he relocated his base of operations to the United States to pass on his knowledge to the next generation through teaching.
Central to Candela’s work was the hyperbolic paraboloid, a mathematically complex curved surface. He refined this geometry, developing it into one of the most versatile structural systems in modern architecture. From a single geometric principle, Candela generated a diverse array of architectural forms, ranging from “umbrella” roofs and experimental canopies to magnificent vaults spanning vast spaces. Throughout his career, his explorations focused primarily on two types of shell structures – those with curved edges and those with straight edges – each demonstrating distinct structural and formal possibilities.
This issue traces Candela’s journey and presents the geometric explorations that defined his work.
Introduction:
Félix Candela – Prodigious Shell Builder
Juan Ignacio del Cueto
Chronology + Map
Project Catalogue
Essays:
The Intelligence of Form
Laura Fontaine
Rescuing the Shell: The Restoration of 2 Masterpieces
Juan Ignacio del Cueto and Andrés López
Writing the Shell: Félix Candela’s Texts in Mid-Century Magazines
Valeria Méndez
The Art of Imagining Structure: Félix Candela’s Pedagogical Legacy
Marcos Ontiveros
Constructing Memory: Exhibiting Candela
Juan Ignacio del Cueto
Biography:
Félix Candela with Family
Antonia Candela Martín
Interview:
Fragments – Félix Candela with Juan Ignacio del Cueto
Juan Ignacio del Cueto
24 Projects
Santa Fe Acoustic Shell
Cosmic Rays Pavilion
Los Abanicos (The fans)
Las Alas (The wings)
Chapel of Saint Vincent de Paul
Mexican Stock Exchange
La Florida Church
Palmira Chapel (San Felipe de Jesús)
Church of Perpetual Succor
Church of Santa Mónica
Church of the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal
Church of Divine Providence
Chapel of Our Lady of Solitude (El Altillo)
San Antonio de las Huertas Parish
Los Manantiales Restaurant
Merced Metro Station
Valencia Oceanographic Park
Church of San José Obrero
Candelaria Metro Station
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
San Lazaro Metro Station
Neighborhood Markets
Bacardí México Bottling Plant
Sports Palace