This thesis addresses the combined urban renewal and protection of the agricultural land in the borough of Xochimilco in Mexico City. It focuses on the design of a performative boundary between the urbanized area and the mostly agricultural land. This boundary is composed of walkways, bridges, water remediation systems, canal frontages and communal gardens. The thesis responds to the ongoing process of urbanization and expansion of the city by means of overtaking agricultural land. Xochimilco serves as an example of the ongoing process of changing the physical environment from lacustrine system to an urbanized mega-city.
This project addresses the hypothesis that with an increase awareness of
urban expansion and a delineation of urban growth, the agricultural land
will be preserved for future generations and become a catalyst for change
on urban patterns.