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Floating Horizons : Chinampas
Floating Horizons : Chinampas , 2024
The capital city of Mexico is experiencing a unique dilemma as it gradually sinks each year due to the extraction of water from its underground aquifer. This phenomenon presents a paradox where the city faces floods and water scarcity risks. This thesis is firmly rooted in the historical and natural landscape of Mexico City, tracing back to the water-centric civilization of Tenochtitlán.
Floating Horizons reveres the city’s aqueous roots, seeking to reimagine public spaces as vibrant civic hubs that not only mitigate against the vagaries of climate but also nurture community engagement and education about the vital role of water. The thesis draws upon the historical symbiosis between the city and its lakes, advocating for a design approach that honors this heritage. By fostering a dialogue between the city’s rich cultural past and its pressing environmental needs, the thesis envisions spaces that are more than mere amenities—they become didactic landscapes where every element serves a purpose, whether for leisure, education, or ecological resilience.
By weaving space for environmental recreation and education that scattered in chinampa. People can deep understanding and appreciation of ecological culture, with a special emphasis on water related topics and ecological research and experience the site.
A restaurant that provides a dining experience where meals are prepared with crops grown directly by the people offers a unique, farm-to-table concept. Temporary housing allows citizens and tourists to stay for a while, enabling scholars, school groups, and students from all over the world to focus more on their research. By directly participating in and studying the environment, they can provide more detailed future scenarios for Mexico City.
At the heart of the plan is establishing a new ecological institution that integrates the currently distributed and inaccessible space for environmental recreation and education within the Chinampa system. This institution fosters a profound understanding and appreciation of ecological culture, focusing on water-related topics and enabling experiential learning about the site's unique ecology. Furthermore, the thesis seeks to rejuvenate the city's historical connection with its aquatic surroundings through revitalizing the chinampa system and promoting increased ecological awareness.
Flooating Horizons seeks to reimagine public spaces as vibrant hubs that mitigate climate challenges and foster community engagement around water’s vital role. By honoring the city’s historical connection with its lakes, the thesis advocates for multipurpose spaces that support leisure, education, and ecological resilience.
Central to the plan is a new ecological institution within the Chinampa system, integrating dispersed environmental educatin spaces and promoting ecological awareness. Through a multi-faceted approach, the thesis envisions learning environments that engage visitors, encourage sustainable living practices, and contribute the a more informed future for Mexico City . this comprehensive strategy addresses immediate environmental challenges while laying the groundwork for a sustainable urban future.