Strategic Projects for the Urban Improvement of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas
A public development initiative is transforming five key urban areas in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico. Architects enhanced well-used spaces to improve accessibility and safety and revitalized aging or hazardous sites. This comprehensive project includes the November 22 Market, the Patria Nueva Multi-Sport Complex, the Central Plaza, the May 5 Plaza, and El Aguaje Park.
November 22 Market
On the night before November 23, 1979, a group of families settled on the eastern outskirts of the city. As these families established roots, a small market began to take shape in the area around 1990. However, the concrete block building with a steel roof proved unsuitable for the hot climate, and within a few years, vendors began selling their goods on the street. Around 2010, the old market structure began sinking into the creek buried beneath its foundation, prompting calls for a new building.
After a decade, the new building for November 22 Market was finally constructed, with stalls arranged between modules on a 3.6-meter grid. The central aisle houses 87 stalls shaded from the sun by barrel arches cast on-site, while the 33 stalls around the perimeter open onto the street, connecting to a brick-paved walkway. A courtyard and several multipurpose spaces blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. Although there is still the challenge of bringing street vendors back to the half-empty stalls, the community’s long-standing desire to revive the market has been fulfilled.
Patria Nueva Multi-Sport Complex
Near the November 22 Market lies the ‘Patria Nueva Multi-Sport Complex, the largest infrastructure project in Tuxtla, covering an area of 62,000m². The complex aligns along a main diagonal access road for easy resident access. By reinforcing the existing axis, transforming it into a tree-lined avenue, and combining contrasting spaces and volumes of different heights, a new visual composition was created within the complex.
A notable aspect of the complex is its transformation from a traditionally soccer-centered facility to an inclusive space for people of all ages, earning it the title of “Multi-Sport” complex. A compact brick building houses a boxing gym, while another structure with a high metal and polyurethane roof shelters two basketball courts. Terraced soccer fields lie at the back of the complex, along with areas for volleyball, a skate park, an outdoor gym, a jogging track, and children’s play areas, supporting various sports activities. Since its opening, the complex has become a gathering spot, with joggers in the early mornings and families in the evenings.
Central Plaza
The Central Plaza is the heart of Chiapas, a place of historical significance and a traditional center of religion, law, and governance. The plaza is not only a place to protest or celebrate but also a meeting place for various purposes. The new plaza features a grid-like floor pattern that divides the space, providing areas for pedestrians to rest and cool down on hot days, with fountains and greenery. It also functions as a nighttime space for evening strolls.
May 5 Plaza
Capturing a lively cityscape in the shade of trees, May 5 Plaza is located next to the main boulevard and the urban axis in Chiapas. The stands that blocked the neighboring market were removed and scattered street stalls were replaced with organized play areas. Defined by benches and trees and set back from car traffic, it is pedestrian-friendly and provides a safe environment for children. Following pathways that connect to the surrounding area, visitors can easily move between both ends of the plaza. Most notably, the plaza’s street becomes an extended market area, transforming into an open-air dining space for vendors. This adaptive use has naturally extended its hours of operation, making it a popular evening relaxation spot.
El Aguaje Park
Located in the hills on the outskirts of the city, El Aguaje Park and its surroundings previously suffered from high crime rates. A site analysis identified critical needs for improvement. As a result, the late-night gang activity was replaced by people enjoying time with friends and family along tree-lined trails. A community center in the park supports neighborhood interactions and recreational activities. At the center, a pavilion was built where residents gathered to make important decisions about the community. The park also includes soccer and basketball courts.
Here, a creek has served as the village’s laundry area and a play space for children for over 40 years. El Aguaje, named after this seasonal stream, now includes a new multipurpose area designed for the safe use of water. People primarily come here to do laundry, while children enjoy a swimming pool created with a water recycling system, helping to prevent stream pollution.
These five urban improvement projects, including El Aguaje Park, are bringing significant change to the area, sowing seeds for social and economic development that seemed unimaginable just two years ago. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, once one of the most impoverished areas in Mexico, is now a vibrant, living city, illuminated even in the dark evenings, filled with the movement and sounds of its people.
Project: 22 November Market / Location: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico / Architect: R Zero Studio / Design: Alejandro Zárate de la Torre, Edgar Velasco Casillas / Collaborators: Damaris Aguilar, Alejandra Ramos, Alejandro Espino, Erick Meneses, Guillermo Ramírez, Diego Fuentes / General contractor: Constructora Gurría / Area: 2,170m² /Completion: 2023 / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Rafael Palacios (courtesy of the architect); ©Zaickz Moz (courtesy of the architect)
Project: New Homeland Sports Complex / Location: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico / Architect: R Zero Studio / Design: Alejandro Zárate de la Torre, Edgar Velasco Casillas / Team: Alejandro Espino, Melissa Delgado, Damaris Aguilar, Alejandra Ramos, Sara Sour / General contractor: Constructora Gurría / Area: 60,821m² / Completion: 2023 / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Zaickz Moz (courtesy of the architect); ©Sedatu (courtesy of the architect); ©Rafael Palacios (courtesy of the architect)
Project: Central Plaza / Location: Centro Histórico de Tuxtla Gútierrez, Chiapas, Mexico / Architect: R Zero Studio / Design: Alejandro Zárate de la Torre, Edgar Velasco Casillas) / Team: Adán Barajas, Damaris Aguilar, Alejandra Ramos / General contractor: Constructora Gurría / Area: 20,749m² / Completion: 2022 / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Zaickz Moz (courtesy of the architect); ©Sedatu (courtesy of the architect); ©Rafael Palacios (courtesy of the architect)
Project: May 5th Plaza And Garden / Location: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico / Architect: R Zero Studio / Design: Alejandro Zárate de la Torre, Edgar Velasco Casillas) / Team: Erick Meneses, Damaris Aguilar, Alejandra Ramos / General contractor: Constructora Gurría / Area: 20,749m² / Completion: 2022 / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Zaickz Moz (courtesy of the architect); ©Sedatu (courtesy of the architect)
Project: El Aguaje Park And Community Center / Location: Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico / Architect: R Zero Studio / Design: Alejandro Zárate de la Torre, Edgar Velasco Casillas) / Team: Guillermo Ramírez, Damaris Aguilar, Alejandra Ramos / General contractor: Constructora Gurría / Area: 10,410m² / Completion: 2023 / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Zaickz Moz (courtesy of the architect); ©Sedatu (courtesy of the architect); ©Rafael Palacios (courtesy of the architect)
