Entre el bien común y la ciudad insular: la renovación urbana en la Ciudad de México

Abstract

BetweenCommon Goodandthe Insular CIty: urBan reno-vatIonIn MexICo CIty. This article studies the case of renovation and recondition of an emblematic urban space: the park known as Alameda Central (Poplar grove park) located in the historical center of Mexico City. The analysis is part of an institutional policy of revaluation in places that are representative because of their collective significance and their heritage value. The features of this policy are illustrated, in contrast with the discourse that legitimates it and with the lines of action. This discourse refers to common good as well as common benefit to justify urban renovation, whereas the practice is directed to a logic of insular urbanism, focused on defining and outlining an island-space –over­regulated from within– without any connection to its environment. This analysis shows how renovation goes along with a process of eviction and distancing of popu­lations considered discordant to the new space image.

Keywords

• public space
• historical center
• insular urbanism
• mexico city
• urban renovation
• insular city
• alameda central