MODERN AQUEDUCT

FINAL BLUE RING WATER DISTRICT / MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

The strategy looks at the previously identified Blue Ring transition zone of infiltration as a design opportunity to address issues in water access and inequity. Initially interested in the disparity of access to water in communities around Mexico City, it became clear that the center of the city (also the most wealthy) has the most access to water infrastructure, while communities on the outskirts and towards the mountains have to rely on other means to obtain water, such as pipa trucks. This has become a huge issue due to corruption of where drivers will go and how much people are willing to pay for their services.

This studio scenario looks to relieve dependence on the aquifer extraction by giving those communities leverage to collect and treat their own water for drinking, and provide opportunities for infiltration to recharge the aquifer. As previously shown, the sites take into account the varying physical conditions around the city and how they overlap with The Blue Ring and water district centers. One expanded strategy looks at the dry, urban, lakebed conditon of Chapultepec. The Chapultepec site, visualized as the final water district formed, emphasizes conveyance and gives a place in the heart of the city to celebrate the city's once tortured relationship with water.

Historically, the center of the city (now the Zocalo) received its water by an aqueduct flowing from Chapultepec Park. Therefore, a modern, accessible aqueduct is proposed to be built along this same path, but reversing the flow to be treated and dispersed to the city in Chapultepec Park. 

The capture starts at Plaza Tlaxocoque, which is right on axis with the Zocalo. This plaza was once the southern boundary of the city and understood to be where the original aqueduct terminated. Rainwater is collected from a monumental tower, flowing down to the aqueduct. In urban conditions, the aqueduct collects rainwater run-off from rooftops as it flows. The aqueduct passes through the hillside of the Chapultepec Castle, and finally intersects the ground and begins to submerge. This point of submersion intersects The Blue Ring, and becomes constructed wetlands for heightened infiltration. The aqueduct terminates beneath the Monumental Source of Neza, where they city's original source of water is located. The structure dives underground, flowing the water into a resevoir to be treated and dispersed to the rest of the water district. This treatment cenote becomes a place for people to see where their drinking water is collected, as well as a space of reverence.

By emphasizing and celebrating how water is collected and treated, the city might heal its long-time tortured relationship to water, and give communities the leverage to provide for themselves.

IN COLLABORATION WITH ROXANNE GLICK + YANG SU

Instructors: Rob Hutchison + Jeff Hou