Location:
Mexico City, Mexico
Year:
2018
Photos in collaboration with:
Fernanda Vega
Mexico City, Mexico
Year:
2018
Photos in collaboration with:
Fernanda Vega
Zócalo is the name of the main plaza of México City, since its
foundation it has been perceived and represented as the city’s place of origin.
In this research, I present a framework to analyze the value of the “Zócalo” as
an empty public space for the city and its citizens.
In recent years, this plaza has been constantly occupied either by
private or public events, these events constrain and restrict diverse forms of
appropriation of the space. By a series of photographs taken throughout the day,
I compared two types of occupation. This short ethnographic exercise helped to document
the character the plaza, it portrayed its democratic condition where all kinds
of social interactions can happen, but also it control and occupied condition.
This photo essay argues in favor of an un-program plaza, a free space
for the city, with no physical barriers. The purpose is to reflect on the
negative effects of the current administration and to open the discussion for
better ways to manage main public spaces in the city. This research starts with
the indigenous origins of the plaza, goes through its modern transformations
and documents its current use. Finally, the research explores and suggest futures
possibilities of occupation based on the collected information.
Research paper (slide to view)
