The Historic Centre of Mexico City, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 11 December 1987, has always been the pulsating heart of the nation’s capital. From the rise and fall of the great Tenochtitlán to modern-day marches, concerts, and markets, it has witnessed centuries of cultural convergence and historical events.
Traditionally, historic centres symbolise the political epicentres of their cities. However, they are much more than mere administrative hubs; they are communal spaces where locals gather, and landmarks that never escape mention in any tourist discourse.
In 2011, I had the privilege of working alongside the esteemed historian, Dr Alejandra Moreno Toscano, who at the time was the Authority of the Historic Centre of Mexico City.
Together, we embarked on a mission to breathe new life into this iconic area, encapsulating our vision in a comprehensive Management Plan. Our goal was ambitious: to transform the Historic Centre into a vibrant epicentre of commerce, recreation, and art once again.
The Challenge of Revitalisation
The early 21st century saw the gradual decline of the Historic Centre, exacerbated by the aftermath of the devastating 1985 earthquake. Buildings lay abandoned, and the area lost much of its former allure. The pressing question was how to reverse this decay and entice people back to the heart of the city.
Dr Moreno Toscano proposed the creation of a Management Plan—a holistic public policy document designed to transcend governmental terms and sectorial interests. This plan would establish guiding principles and progressive improvement strategies for the site, supporting its sustainable development.
Crafting the Management Plan
Through my work at Scientika, I supported Dr Moreno Toscano in designing this pivotal document. We presented the plan at an event in the Palacio de Minería, attended by representatives from UNESCO, the Government of Mexico City, and the private sector. Collaborating with UNESCO was instrumental, providing an international framework and recognition that bolstered our efforts.
The primary objectives of the Management Plan were:
Promoting Urban, Social, and Economic Recovery: Restoring the balance within the cityscape to enhance quality of life.
Ensuring the Preservation of Cultural Values: Safeguarding the unique historical and architectural heritage.
Facilitating Coordinated Participation: Engaging various development stakeholders through effective mechanisms.
Creating Opportunities for Cultural Enhancement: Encouraging initiatives that preserve and elevate cultural significance.
Implementing Progressive Site Improvement: Rolling out immediate actions and planning future developments.
Establishing Monitoring Tools: Developing systems for continuous evaluation and adaptation of the management strategies.
Strategic Implementation
Our strategies focused on urban and economic revitalisation while upholding the principle of habitability and respecting the rich historical heritage. One of the significant challenges was altering the dynamics of residents and local businesses. This often meant encouraging property owners to adapt or change the use of their spaces to attract a broader audience.
Improving mobility was also crucial. We aimed to make the Historic Centre pedestrian-friendly, safe, and accessible. This led to the pedestrianisation of several key areas and the introduction of more efficient transport systems, such as the Metrobús Line 4. Additionally, we oversaw the renewal of transportation units along Eje Central to enhance connectivity.
Acknowledging the city's seismic history, the Management Plan incorporated a comprehensive risk prevention section. It was imperative that our new urban dynamics prioritised the safety and resilience of the community.
A Living Document for a Living City
The Management Plan was designed as a precise yet adaptable executive document. It was essential to approach the Historic Centre not as a static entity but as a living organism requiring ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and feedback from all development actors. Dr Moreno Toscano imparted this critical understanding to me—that urban spaces must be managed as evolving processes.
Reflecting on Success
Thirteen years after its inception, the Management Plan remains a guiding force in the transformation of Mexico City's Historic Centre. Its success is evident in the bustling streets filled with locals and tourists, the myriad events hosted, and the thriving commercial and recreational establishments that now define the area. The recent pedestrianisation of the Zócalo is a testament to the enduring vision we set out in the plan over a decade ago.
Personal Reflections
Working with Dr Alejandra Moreno Toscano on the Management Plan was a formative experience in my career. It was one of the first projects where I deeply engaged with urban development and cultural preservation. Collaborating with UNESCO and various stakeholders broadened my perspective on the complexities of urban revitalisation.
This journey reinforced the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the impact of thoughtful, inclusive planning. It has inspired me to continue advocating for sustainable urban development that honours cultural heritage while embracing modernity.
Conclusion
The revitalisation of Mexico City's Historic Centre stands as a shining example of what collaborative efforts between government entities, international organisations like UNESCO, and dedicated professionals can achieve. I am honoured to have contributed to this transformative journey and remain committed to fostering vibrant, resilient communities through thoughtful urban planning.
Feel free to connect with me to discuss urban development, heritage preservation, or to share your experiences with revitalising historic spaces.
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