A proposal to restore Mexico City's 45 rivers envisions a whole new model for the city.
The Miguel Alemán Viaduct, a major highway through the middle of Mexico City, runs on either side of a river encased in concrete.
A coalition of academics, designers, planners, environmentalists, and artists is proposing to uncover more than 9 miles of the river—as well as the city's 44 other rivers currently serving as a drainage network.
Alejandra Sánchez Inzunza explains the proposal in CityLab. It would include public transit, bike lanes, walking paths, and green space. It would create an integrated water management system. And it would cost 15 billion Mexican pesos—or $863 million.
It's still entirely conceptual, and its main purpose is to help citizens reimagine what's possible in the built environment:
"This project shatters paradigms. It proposes to tear down a private road, which you cannot use unless you have a car. What we propose is that we remove the cars, open the pipes, and treat the water. We need to transform the model of our city," says urban biologist Delfín Montañana.
FULL STORY: Mexico City's Invisible Rivers
Envisioning a Lush Mexico City
Two architects submit a plan to Mexico City planners that includes bringing the Río Piedad back to life and revitalizing the city with green public spaces along its waters.
Vecindades: Mexico City's Answer to 'Missing Middle Housing'
An iconic multifamily housing form repurposes the former homes of Mexico's elite into communal housing for urban workers.
Mexico City Airport Project Ends; Causes Economic Rumblings
Mexican voters do not want the airport project to continue, and serious economic consequences could follow.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Alaska Village Becomes Test Case for Climate Change Relocation
The Yup’ik village of Newtok is the first Alaska community to begin a full-scale relocation necessitated by the impacts of climate change. Another 31 Alaska communities remain vulnerable.
Amtrak Takes Lead on Texas Central Rail
The high-speed rail project isn’t a done deal, but if it moves forward, trains could begin operating in 2030.
Maine Approves Rent Relief Program
Legislators hope the assistance program will help struggling low-income households avoid eviction.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
