jose munoz villers + carlos marin win la merced masterplan

jose munoz villers + carlos marin win la merced masterplan
all images courtesy of josé muñoz villers and carlos marin

the winning project for the masterplan of ‘la merced’ in mexico city was led by local architects josé muñoz villers and carlos marin and is based on short, medium and long-term strategies aimed at revitalizing the area. the proposal is organized around a new public square in the center of the site, which focuses on key elements such as social, commercial and cultural activities. reconstruction the existing public realm and connecting to surrounding neighborhoods, the design improves interaction, mobility, security and efficiency.

the articulation of markets and new pedestrian walkways not only provides spaces for recreation but also enhances la merced’s commercial potential. a key focus was on the creation of an integral architectural identity for such marketplaces and the regeneration of built heritage through recovering streets, squares and atriums. furthermore a national gastronomic center using traditional mexican cuisine is seen as an opportunity for economic development and tourism, while the possibility of incorporating urban gardening was also considered as a way to bring families together and create a culture of healthy living and eating.

the merced cultural area

view from the interior of the marketplace looking towards the plaza

view of the multimodal merced subway

view of guadalupe victoria park

overlooking the main plaza

view of plaza anaya

comparative markets

landscape strategy

public space

markets strategy

urban furniture

project info:

design team: muñoz-villers and marin in collaboration with juan josé zárate & edith gutiérrez (architects), víctor hugo hofmann & emma morales (urban planners), ariel rojo (industrial designer) and hugo sánchez (landscape architect)

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.