The Ecological Impact of Urban Growth in “Luis Barragán Park”

Abstract

The objective of this study is to define the ecological impact on Luis Barragan Park located in Pedregal de San Ángel, derived
from the growth of Mexico City. As background information, we examined the original project and the urban delimitation,
as well as the economic, political and social context of the 1950s. This documented methodology presents qualitative data
gathered from the actual urban planning including the legal, environmental and economical aspects. The results reflect that
55 percent of green areas are now lost, showing a serious degradation and accessibility conflict. It is concluded that there
is a negative ecological impact on Luis Barragán Park and its surroundings, considering that the original plan was that the owners kept big gardened areas, but the demand for housing and infrastructure caused the land subdivision to lose the idea
of “harmony between architecture and nature” from the original designers. The increase of commercial spaces, change in
land uses and indifference from administration and neighbors led to gradual surface losses, even in areas of common use, a
situation which can be stopped with the development of regulations to protect green areas.