LA CONCHITA - XOCHIMILCO

After the September, 19th earthquake had place in Mexico we realized that, as architecture students, it was our job to get involved in the solution of the catastrophe.

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It was chosen "La Conchita" (San Gregorio de Atlacomulco, Xochimilco) as a study zone. This place is characterized by its "chinampas" which are pieces of land that men build on top of a lake. This characteristic was one of the main reasons why "La Conchita" was one of the most damaged areas.

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Four pre-existing problems were identified, the lack of streets and basic services manifested in the absence of a planning for the development of the area, and the kind of informal housing that is not adequate to the damp context. As a solution to these problems a master plan was generated in order to re-organize this area. The purpose was to have better connections in between housing and services, open a new canals, generate areas to practice agriculture (which is the main economic activity of "La Conchita"), and create new public spaces that allow people to socialice and generate new community activities.