frida escobedo installs a series of mirrored platforms within the V&A's courtyard

for the 2015 edition of the london design festival, mexican architect frida escobedo has installed a temporary pavilion within the grounds of the V&A museum. set inside the institution’s john madejski garden, the work is entitled ‘you know, you cannot see yourself so well as by reflection’, and celebrates the year of mexico in the UK.

the installation is entitled ‘you know, you cannot see yourself so well as by reflection’
image © glasshopper | main image © victoria and albert museum

the piece, which aims to instigate discussion about identity and cultural exchange, comprises a series of mirrored platforms that simultaneously occupy and blend in with their surroundings. the grid-like design references the ancient aztec city of tenochtitlán, a 14th century civilization built on a lake that can still be recognized in the urban layout of today’s mexico city.

the piece aims to instigate discussion about identity and cultural exchange
image © victoria and albert museum

escobedo explains that the title is a reference to both the physical reflective nature of the installation – and its philosophical inspiration. ‘you know, you cannot see yourself so well as by reflection’ is a quote from shakespeare’s julius caesar, act 1 scene 2.

the pavilion remains open at the V&A until cctober 3, 2015.

the design comprises a series of mirrored platforms
image © victoria and albert museum

the grid-like design references the ancient aztec city of tenochtitlán
images © victoria and albert museum

the public installation celebrates the year of mexico in the UK
image © victoria and albert museum

the pavilion remains open at the V&A until cctober 3, 2015
image © victoria and albert museum

conceptual rendering explaining the scheme’s concept

read designboom’s previous interview with frida escobedo here
portrait © designboom