Mexico City's Social Architecture: Pilares Program and New Public Spaces Reshape the Metropolis
Since the pandemic, Mexico City has experienced significant changes due to an influx of digital nomads and creatives, resulting in gentrification that forces locals out for Airbnb rentals and cafes. The city’s progressive administrations have prioritized public infrastructure, exemplified by the Pilares program launched in 2018 by then-mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, which established community centers in underprivileged areas. Designed by WORKac in Lomas de Becerra and Azcapotzalco, and by Fernanda Canales in Iztapalapa, Pilares is just one initiative. Additional projects include Amasa's community park in Santa Fe and new centers in Tultitlán and Chapultepec Park. The private sector has also played a role, with Productora and JSa repurposing old factories into creative spaces. Culturally, expansions like the Museo Anahuacalli and a new public museum by Barcelona's Bax studio seek to enhance the city's offerings.
Key facts
- Mexico City has seen a massive influx of digital nomads and creatives since the pandemic, leading to gentrification in certain neighborhoods.
- The Pilares program, launched in 2018 by then-mayor Claudia Sheinbaum (now President of Mexico), created community centers in disadvantaged areas.
- WORKac, with Estudio Ignacio Urquiza Ana Paula de Alba, designed two Pilares in Lomas de Becerra and Azcapotzalco.
- Fernanda Canales designed a Pilares in Iztapalapa with four circular courtyards for protection in a high-insecurity context.
- Amasa's UH Infonavit Santa Fe community park combines play and sports areas around a circular pavilion.
- Taller and Departamento del Distrito reinterpreted a shed factory in Tultitlán for a public complex with a community hub and library.
- Erre Q Erre and A001 designed an environmental awareness center and a dining area in Chapultepec Park.
- Productora and JSa transformed former factories La Laguna and La Fábrica del Hielo into creative hubs.
- Taller Mauricio Rocha extended the Museo Anahuacalli, integrated into the volcanic landscape.
- Barcelona studio Bax designed a new public museum addressing science and climate change.
Entities
Artists
- Claudia Sheinbaum
- Fernanda Canales
- Mauricio Rocha
Institutions
- WORKac
- Estudio Ignacio Urquiza Ana Paula de Alba
- Amasa
- Taller
- Departamento del Distrito
- Erre Q Erre
- A001
- Productora
- JSa
- Taller Mauricio Rocha
- Bax
- Museo Anahuacalli
- Pilares
- Abitare
Locations
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- Lomas de Becerra
- Azcapotzalco
- Iztapalapa
- Tultitlán
- Chapultepec
- Valle del México
- Barcelona
- Spain
Sources
- Abitare —