Knitting networks: Transforming Chalco Channel, Mexico City

Abstract

This study is part of a much larger effort by many stakeholders, called Water Caravan, to implement a rescue Master Plan for the Lake Chalco and Xochimilco basins. Our study focuses on an integrated strategic urban proposal to upgrade an area between three important boroughs of Mexico City, specifically the waterfront of Lake Chalco, the Cuemanco Ecological Park and its surrounding areas. This is an area of great ecological, cultural and historical relevance for our city. Nonetheless, an unregulated urban sprawl, as well as local population increase, has seriously deteriorated the area. The selected site, along with Chalco and Nacional Channel acquire a great significance as the gateway to this highly valuable region of cultural and historical relevance. This work proposes a Master Plan to make local scale interventions: connect bordering neighborhoods, reorganize its land use and activate the Park and Chalco Channel, in order to incrementally revitalize the area. © 2013 WIT Press.