This architect of Japanese descent was born on March 29, 1915, in Mexico City. His father was the Japanese ambassador to Mexico and Alberto was his fourth son. Arai studied philosophy, literature and architecture. He was a socialist and politically active through his art. He was fascinated with Functionalism, supporting its application specifically to architecture.
He changed views on use of traditional materials for building, preferring instead to use volcanic stone, bamboo, tree trunks, etc. The building pictured below is the library for Ciuidad Universitaria, Mexico City. In this design Arai used volcanic rock in the stylized pyramid shape.
Functionalism: as applied to architecture...Belief that building design should be based solely on the purpose of that building. Ornamentation is only enriching to the basic construction of said building.
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