El Palomar
A new place to meet in Chihuahua, Mexico by Sofia Lopez
| Name | El Palomar | |
| Place | Chihuahua | |
| Country | Mexico | |
| Topic | please enter the topic here | |
| Author(s) | Sofia Lopez | |
| Completion | Please enter the date of completion | |
| Client | Please enter the client | |
| Project costs | Please enter the costs (if known) | |
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| <googlemap version="0.9" lat="28.634253" lon="-106.077805" type="terrain" zoom="13" width="300" height="250">
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Rationale: Why is this case study interesting?
The area that is now occupied by this park was a very big area deserted that slowly became a slum dweller therefore was also a dangerous part of the city, but after this project it became a important part of the city a public space of recreation and also a place for culture; some years after the park was finish the city build a new library, and a museum. This park have a square that it´s used for a lot of different cultural events like concerts, presentations, festivals, and civil events. It has a good location; close to the center of the city, to the government offices. And it is a "green belt" in the riverside of the river "El Chuviscar" that is almost dry up, also in the city there are not much parks and green public areas.
Author's perspective
- What theoretical or professional perspective do you bring to the case study?
Landscape and/or urban context
- Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics
Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses
Cultural/social/political context
- Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework
Illustration: Bullet points, image, background notes
History
- How did the area/project/plan at the focus of the case study evolve?
The city of Chihuahua was founded on 1709 by Antonio Deza y Ulloa a spanish explorer, the location was chosen because it is located in a valley in the intersection of the rivers Chuviscar and Sacramento and also because it was midpoint between some then-important mines. The original name of the city was “Real de Minas de San Francisco de Cuellar” then in 1718 the name was change into “San Felipe el Real de Chihuahua” and lately in 1823 the name was shortened in Chihuahua. The city development was like a miner and supplier city for the closer towns located in the mountainous region in western Chihuahua state. The first settlements in the area of Park “El Palomar” were between 1894-1900 in the outskirts of in this time city, with just some families that used the land in the riverside of river “Chuviscar” for agricultural use, some years later (1910 approximately) the establishment of a foundry company called “Fundicion San Felipe” contribute to the settlement of more families; and the formation of the neighborhood “El Palomar”. The area presented an irregular shape and a dangerous location (riverside) due to floods, therefore the difficulty of providing good infrastructure; with the channeling of the river “Chuviscar” from 1956 to 1962 the quality of the infrastructure got a real improvement. In the 60´s the neighbors set up a committee and pressure the authorities to get a better infrastructure (roads, sewage) and also a urbanization program. Then at the beginning of 1990 the Government became aware of the necessity of a public space that could be used for different proposals but mainly a recreational space. The neighborhood “El Palomar” was chosen for this proposal due to the excellent location, good views and also for being a rundown neighborhood. Demolition of a larger portion of the neighborhood started at the end of 1993. The beginning of the 1st Phase of the park begins in 1994.
Spatial analysis of area/project/plan
- What are the main structural features?
- How has it been shaped? Were there any critical decisions?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Core questions working group open spaces
= How does the design of an open space contribute to a run down neighbourhood?
The design of an open space always have a social impact; it could be a possitive or a negative impact, but always have a result. Because, it changes the original configuration and the use of the area. In the case of Park "El Palomar" situated in a former run down neighborhood it has improve not just the remaining portion of the neighborhood it also improved the quality of life of the people of Chihuahua giving them a new public space for cultural, recreational and social events.
How are open spaces linked to the adjacent areas?
(e.g. neighbourhoods, city centre, river)
Park "El Palomar" for its own location is very well linked to the adjacent areas. As the park is divided in three main parts, a bridge connect the first part of the park with the second one allowing the pedestrians to cross a main avenue (Av. Ocampo)and get to the Public Hospital (IMSS). This main avenue that cross the park also connect it with the city centre. An underground passage connects the first part with the third one, crossing a street (10th Street)and linking the park with the neigborhood Mirador and also with the remaining section of neighborhood El Palomar. For connecting an open space is very important the location since the beginning; the space could be connected with the adjacent areas with bridges, pedestrian paths, underground passages, main avenues; it could be also connected visualy.
How are open spaces used?
(e.g. which groups meet there, which functions does an open space fulfil)
Which elements make an open space successful and attractive?
How can the historical background of an open space be shown to the public?
Analysis of program/function
- What are the main functional characteristics?
- How have they been expressed or incorporated?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Analysis of design/planning process
- How was the area/project/plan formulated and implemented?
- Were there any important consultations/collaborations?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Analysis of use/users
- How is the area/project/plan used and by whom?
- Is the use changing? Are there any issues?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Future development directions
- How is the area/project/plan evolving?
- Are there any future goals?
Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes
Peer reviews or critique
- Has the area/ project/plan been reviewed by academic or professional reviewers?
- What were their main evaluations?
Pleas add references, quotes...
Points of success and limitations
- What do you see as the main points of success and limitations of the area/project/plan?
Illustration: Summary table
What can be generalized from this case study?
- Are there any important theoretical insights?
Short statement plus background notes
Which research questions does it generate?
Short statement plus background notes
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References
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