Winter 2011 Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm by Maria Arquero de Alarcon

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm Distrito Taxque単a

a.amin c.baldwin a.fortino t.mather winter 2011

Moving Millions of People Chapter 1

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm Distrito Taxqueña

Ch1 Moving Millions of People population zmvm 01 housing distribution 05 transportation breakdown 07 transit oriented development 15 tod: mexican inteventions 16

Ch2 Cetram Taxqueña the Current Site coyoacan background 21 taxqueña conditions 27 taxqueña site issues 33

Ch3 Creating the District; a New Taxqueña project goals 37 design strategies 41 site plans 43 site programming 47 transit flows 47 concourse design 51 development highlights 65 users 69 phasing 75

Moving Millions of People Chapter 1

Moving Millions

Population Distribution Total ZMVM Population 19.2 million

Mexico City covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers and contains 19.2 million mobile individuals. The complex network of transportation systems makes it possible to move people across the region. Private vehicle transportation makes up only 30% of journeys and is not an option for the majority of the population due to the high cost of owning and operating a vehicle. In response to population growth and dispersion, a complex transit system has developed throughout Mexico City. Stations, where multiple modes of transit come together, are called Cetrams. With 8.11 million public transit users, 6.68 million of which transfer at least once during their commute, these cetrams bring together an incredible number of people each day. At Pantitalan, just under 1 million people pass through the station each day. The traffic of people in these stations creates market and entrepreneurial opportunity to serve commuters along their journey by providing goods and services. This demand is largely unmet across the cetrams, with the exception of small retail establishments and the influx of informal vendors who recognize the market potential in these high trafficked areas.

Across the world, developers have capitalized on the density of people along rail lines and transit infrastructure, while creating vibrant places through transit-oriented development. The typical conditions of cetrams in Mexico City are perceived to be crowded and dangerous; however, people are beginning to realize the potential to redevelop the cetrams. Cetram Taxque単a, located in the Delegacion of Coyoacan, is a point where 500,000 passengers pass through each day entering the greater transit network. The current design and programming of the site creates several issues including: fragmentation of people and transit modes, disorientation due to blocked views, and under utilized space. There is great opportunity to redevelop the station from a haphazard gateway into an attractive destination. Such a destination is created by improving the quality of the user experience, building landmarks through civic anchors and creating an active street environment with mixed-use programming -- a framework for transitioning from a station to a district built upon the principles of transit-oriented development.

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The Numbers: Total ZMVM Population 19.2 million people Total Area of ZMVM 5,000 km2 DF Population 8.8 million people DF Area 1,484 km2

Source: UTD

46% of ZMVM Population Located in DF

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a

Distrito Taxquena ChapterDistrito 1 New Urban Paradigm Taxquena Chapter 1

Moving Millions

Population Distribution Total ZMVM Population 19.2 million

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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The Numbers: Total ZMVM Population 19.2 million people Total Area of ZMVM 5,000 km2 DF Population 8.8 million people DF Area 1,484 km2

Source: UTD

46% of ZMVM Population Located in DF

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a

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Comparing To New York

Population Density: Delegations of Distrito Federal (2005) residing in the northern delegations, following the trend of settlement expansion. Because of this northern reaching population growth, it’s necessary to consider Mexico City’s population as the greater ZMVM rather than the political borders of DF, as the transportation system serves the larger region.

DELEGATION

AREA (sq km)

TOTAL POP.

POPULATION DENSITY

Alvaro Obregon

96.03

706,567

7,357.77

Azcapotzalco

33.54

425,298

1,2680.32

Benito Juarez

26.72

355,017

13,286.56

Coyoacan

54.03

628,063

11,624.34

Cuajimalpa de Morelos

70.73

173,625

2,454.76

Cuauhtemoc

32.69

521,348

15,948.24

Gustavo A. Madero

87.65

1,193,161

13,612.79

Iztacalco

23.21

395,025

17,019.6

Iztapalapa

113.45

1,820,888

16,050.14

La Magdalena Contreras

63.51

228,927

3,604.58

Miguel Hidalgo

46.39

353,534

7,620.91

Milpa Alta

288.13

115,895

402.23

Tlahuac

85.91

344,106

4,005.42

11,854 persons / sq km

Tlalpan

311.62

607,545

1,949.63

6,827 persons / sq km

Venustiano Carranza

33.77

447,459

13,250.19

Xochimilco

118.13

404,458

3,423.84

The greater ZMVM region of Mexico City has a population of 19.2 million, requiring a transportation system that serves the residents of its expanding settlements. Over half the people reside outside of the Federal District (DF) and 8.8 million within the DF. The DF has a population density of 5,937 persons per square meter, with the greatest concentration of people

POPULATION DENSITY COMPARISON Distrito Federal: Coyoacan:

New York City:

5,937 persons / sq km

Age + Education

Distrito Federal

15 8 9

5 4

Coyoacan New York City

Population Density: Persons / square km

13 10 15

13,001 - 18,000

14 10,001- 13,000

Population (2010)

628,420

8,873,017

Age (2005) Above 60 years Ages 15 - 29

12.10% 26%

10.2% 26.5%

1.2%

0.9%

Education (2010) Bachelors Degree

6,001 - 10,000 3,001 - 6,000 501 - 3,000

33.1%

0 - 500 Source: INEGI, American Fact Finder Estimates 2005-2009

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Source: INEGI

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Comparing To New York

DELEGATION

AREA (sq km)

TOTAL POP.

POPULATION DENSITY

Alvaro Obregon

96.03

706,567

7,357.77

Azcapotzalco

33.54

425,298

1,2680.32

Benito Juarez

26.72

355,017

13,286.56

Coyoacan

54.03

628,063

11,624.34

Cuajimalpa de Morelos

70.73

173,625

2,454.76

Cuauhtemoc

32.69

521,348

15,948.24

Gustavo A. Madero

87.65

1,193,161

13,612.79

Iztacalco

23.21

395,025

17,019.6

Iztapalapa

113.45

1,820,888

16,050.14

La Magdalena Contreras

63.51

228,927

3,604.58

Miguel Hidalgo

46.39

353,534

7,620.91

Milpa Alta

288.13

115,895

402.23

Tlahuac

85.91

344,106

4,005.42

11,854 persons / sq km

Tlalpan

311.62

607,545

1,949.63

6,827 persons / sq km

Venustiano Carranza

33.77

447,459

13,250.19

Xochimilco

118.13

404,458

3,423.84

POPULATION DENSITY COMPARISON Distrito Federal: Coyoacan:

New York City:

5,937 persons / sq km

Age + Education

Distrito Federal

15 8 9

5 4

Coyoacan New York City

Population Density: Persons / square km

13 10 15

13,001 - 18,000

14 10,001- 13,000

Population (2010)

628,420

8,873,017

Age (2005) Above 60 years Ages 15 - 29

12.10% 26%

10.2% 26.5%

1.2%

0.9%

Education (2010) Bachelors Degree

6,001 - 10,000 3,001 - 6,000 501 - 3,000

33.1%

0 - 500 Source: INEGI, American Fact Finder Estimates 2005-2009

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Source: INEGI

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Distrito Federal Housing Type The majority of housing types found throughout the DF are Colonias. City Center Homes surround the Historic Center Area; however, this type exists more in the west half of the DF, as Multi-Family Homes are concentrated to the east. The distribution of housing types is telling of the socio-economic status of people living within the DF. The concentration of Multi-Family Homes in the east indicates that a higher number of poor citizens live in the area while the rich are located further west. With this stratification comes, varied levels of quality homes, increased crime, and a need for more services , including public transit in the east. 5

The Numbers: Historic Center 0.4% 12,236 homes City Center 9.5% 323,083 homes Colonias 60.6% 2,069,318 homes Multi-Family 19.3% 660,674 homes Middle Income 8.4% 286,523 homes High Income 1.8% 63,027 homes

Source: Pricilla Connolly, “Tipos de Poblamiento en la Ciudad de Mexico.” 2005. Adapted Map: m.garlarza

Historic Center

Colonias

Middle Income Homes

City Center

Multifamily

High Income Homes

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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drawing: m.galarza images: google street view

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Source: Pricilla Connolly, “Tipos de Poblamiento en la Ciudad de Mexico.” 2005. Adapted Map: m.garlarza

Historic Center

Colonias

Middle Income Homes

City Center

Multifamily

High Income Homes

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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drawing: m.galarza images: google street view

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transportation + ZMVM With a complex system needing to facilitate daily travels of approximately 22 million people, the network must be interconnected to reach individuals’ destinations. For the wealthy, there is freedom of movement with the private automobile, making up 30% of transportation in ZMVM. Most of the population depends on public transit, which accounts for 68% of transportation journeys. The extensive system of transit services allow for a multi-modal network that is essential to transport passengers through the region. Of the 14.8 million transit users, 6.68 million (45%) transfer between modes at least once.

Transportation Breakdown

Transportation Numbers

Private Vehicle 30%

Public Transit 68%

MODE

Passengers/Day

Passengers/Day %

Quantities

Lengths

Private Vehicle

2.9 million cars*

Taxi

1.33 million

12%

60-100,000 cabs*

Peseros

5.33 million

47%

50,000 minibuses*

Metro Bus (BRT)

500,000

2 lines (+1 future)

56 km

Metro Subway

3.70 million

33%

12 lines (+1 future)

200 km

Light Rail

200,000

1 line

12.8 km

Suburban Train

150,000

1 line

Private-Public 2%

source: UTD, MCE2, CTS Mexico *counts vary due to registered/ unregistered vehicles

21.9 Million Journeys Each Day

Comparing Commutes Around the World

Mexico City Start

76% 9.1 million Commute

London 24%

Tokyo

New York

17% Start

120

150 minutes

12.8 million Commute 83%

source: UTD

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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source: UTD, NYC.gov

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Transportation Breakdown

Transportation Numbers

Private Vehicle 30%

Public Transit 68%

MODE

Passengers/Day

Passengers/Day %

Quantities

Lengths

Private Vehicle

2.9 million cars*

Taxi

1.33 million

12%

60-100,000 cabs*

Peseros

5.33 million

47%

50,000 minibuses*

Metro Bus (BRT)

500,000

2 lines (+1 future)

56 km

Metro Subway

3.70 million

33%

12 lines (+1 future)

200 km

Light Rail

200,000

1 line

12.8 km

Suburban Train

150,000

1 line

Private-Public 2%

source: UTD, MCE2, CTS Mexico *counts vary due to registered/ unregistered vehicles

21.9 Million Journeys Each Day

Comparing Commutes Around the World

Mexico City Start

76% 9.1 million Commute

London 24%

Tokyo

New York

17% Start

120

150 minutes

12.8 million Commute 83%

source: UTD

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source: UTD, NYC.gov

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Public Transit Transfers: Commuting within the DF

A breakdown of two common commutes indicated that the pesero, or microbus, is a dependable connector between modes and destinations. With a variety of pesero vehicles, the sizes can accommodate a maximum of 18 - 50 passengers. They are known for their flexibility within the larger transit network for users’ final stretch of their journey.

Start: Pesero Transfer

46.7%

Pesero

14.8 million transit users

8.11 million do not transfer

6.68 million transfer at least once

36.9%

Metro Subway

8.2%

Suburban Bus

Start: Metro Transfer

RTP (City bus)

75.9%

Pesero

14.8%

Suburban Bus

Taxi

2.9%

RTP (City bus)

2.8%

Electric Trolley bus

Other

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

0.8%

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Taxi

Metrobus: Bus Rapid Transit

Tren Ligero: Light Rail

2.5%

2.3%

1.1%

Electric Trolley bus

0.7%

Other

0.5%

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

The Mexico City government started Eco-bici, a bicyclesharing program, as a part of its Plan Verde - 1,114 bicycle were placed at 85 stations across four neighborhoods: Condesa, Hipódromo Condesa, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc and Roma Norte.

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Sources: Susana Rellano, “Ecobici, Equity in Mobility?,” 25 january 2011; developmentplanningunit. wordpress.com; “Mexico City launches Ecobici – a bicycle-lending programme,” 24 february 2010, iclei.org; milenio.com

Eco-bici members pay an annual fee of 300 pesos ($23), covering the first 45 minutes of their journey, requiring additional fees for extended time periods. Bicycles for rent are intended to facilitate the final stretch of commuters’ journey, and 80 percent of bicycle-usage is made before or after a trip by car, metrobus or metro The program is geared more towards middle and upper-class credit card-holding citizens, but locating the facility near the civic center could allow an opportunity for public and community partnerships, such as “Bici-Entérate” (“Bike-Inform”), a free education program geared towards promoting bicycles as a primary form of transportation.

Public Transit Transfers: Commuting within the DF

Start: Pesero Transfer

46.7%

Pesero

14.8 million transit users

8.11 million do not transfer

6.68 million transfer at least once

36.9%

Metro Subway

8.2%

Suburban Bus

Start: Metro Transfer

RTP (City bus)

75.9%

Pesero

14.8%

Suburban Bus

Taxi

2.9%

RTP (City bus)

2.8%

Electric Trolley bus

Other

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

0.8%

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Taxi

Metrobus: Bus Rapid Transit

Tren Ligero: Light Rail

2.5%

2.3%

1.1%

Electric Trolley bus

0.7%

Other

0.5%

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Mexican Subway System The development of the metro subway began in the central city and expanded outward with population growth. The development occurred through 6 stages beginning in the 1960s.

The first stage of the network was completed between 1962-1972 and consisted of three lines that branched from the central area of the DF along north-south, east-west axis. Cetram Taxquena was incorporated during this first stage of development and continues to serve as a terminating station for Line 2. Between 1977 and 1982, an additional two lines were developed north east of the existing system. From 1983 to 1985 two more lines were developed in the north west region of the DF. This pattern of building two lines at a time in a geographic patchwork continued throughout the development of the subway system. In 1988 the first and only subway line that

Length + Ridership: Subway Systems from Across the World reaches beyond the DF boundaries was developed and terminates at Cetram Ciudad Azteca. In the final stage of development, the suburban line in the north and the light rail in the south was developed. This light rail connects Taxqueña to Xochimilco, an ecologically and culturally important yet fragile region located in the south.

Moscow

Tokyo

Seoul

*Mexico City

Mexico City’s subway system is an affordable method of transportation for Mexicans as a metro ticket cost 3 pesos. The Metro also subsidizes the cost of tickets for the elderly, impaired, low income, and children under the age of 5. The system also offers rechargeable cards that help speed entry of the system, reduce lines, and provide a mechanism for budgeting of money spent the system. While the rechargable card has improved access to the system, different cards are need for other modes of public transit, creating issues as commuters transfer from one mode to another.

8th longest subway system in the world 4th most riders per year

London

New York City

Paris

Chicago

Berlin Length of subway (km)

Beijing

Riders per year

100

150

1 billion

200

250

300

350

2 billion

3 billion

400

450

4 billion

riders

Development Stages ofStages Rail System Development of Rail System B 3

7 6

1 1

4 7

2 3

Suburban rail

8 9

B A

Light rail

Stage 1 Stage 1 1962 - 19721962 - 1972 Lines 1, 2, 3Lines 1, 2, 3

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Suburban rail

2 1

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Stage 2 Stage 2 1977 - 19821977 - 1982 Lines 4, 5 Lines 4, 5

Stage 3 Stage 3 1983 - 19851983 - 1985 Lines 6, 7 Lines 6, 7

Stage 4 Stage 4 1986 - 19881986 - 1988 Lines 8, 9 Lines 8, 9

Stage 5 Stage 5 1988 - 19941988 - 1994 Lines A, B Lines A, B

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Stage 6 Stage 6 2008 2008 Suburban &Suburban light rail & light rail

Light rail

Mexican Subway System The development of the metro subway began in the central city and expanded outward with population growth. The development occurred through 6 stages beginning in the 1960s.

Moscow

Tokyo

Seoul

*Mexico City

8th longest subway system in the world 4th most riders per year

London

New York City

Paris

Chicago

Berlin Length of subway (km)

Beijing

Riders per year

100

150

1 billion

200

250

300

350

2 billion

3 billion

400

450

4 billion

riders

Development Stages ofStages Rail System Development of Rail System B 3

7 6

1 1

4 7

2 3

Suburban rail

8 9

B A

Light rail

Stage 1 Stage 1 1962 - 19721962 - 1972 Lines 1, 2, 3Lines 1, 2, 3

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Suburban rail

2 1

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Stage 2 Stage 2 1977 - 19821977 - 1982 Lines 4, 5 Lines 4, 5

Stage 3 Stage 3 1983 - 19851983 - 1985 Lines 6, 7 Lines 6, 7

Stage 4 Stage 4 1986 - 19881986 - 1988 Lines 8, 9 Lines 8, 9

Stage 5 Stage 5 1988 - 19941988 - 1994 Lines A, B Lines A, B

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Stage 6 Stage 6 2008 2008 Suburban &Suburban light rail & light rail

Light rail

Intermodal Stations - Cetrams Within the ZMVM, intermodal stations, called cetrams, serve as arteries in which multiple modes of transportation converge. At the cetram a user may transfer between the metro (subway), paseros (local buses) and taxis. In some cases, users may also transfer between light rail, regional buses and bus rapid transit (BRT). There are 45 cetrams within the ZMVM of which 11 are high density serving as end stops and major transfer points for people entering and exiting the DF.

The current condition of cetrams is less than desirable. The stations are typically obsolete as the number of passengers overwhelm the existing infrastructure. Many stations lack adequate pedestrian crossings, and delineated space for uses. Areas of high congestion are juxtaposed with

Major Cetrams of ZMVM

areas of under use; both situations present danger to transit users and community members. While informal vendors provide economic opportunities for individuals, they also support an informal economy that is controlled by mafias. Further, vendors inhabit public spaces, crowding areas that would normally serve as safe waiting zones for transit users.

For this reason, often opportunities for open green space are closed off to the public with physical barriers, a mechanism for controlling the environment that results in under utilized residual space.

CETRAM high density

Ciudad Azteca

CETRAM other Line 1

El Rosario

Politécnico

Line 2

Indios Verdes

Line 3

Martín Carrera

Line 4 Line 5 Line 6

Cuatro Caminos

Line 7 Buenavista

The conditions at cetram stations exhibit both real and perceived dangers. Large volumes of people pass though the stations at one time creating crowded spaces and anonymity that do not easily allow for surveillance. The lack of control of informal vendor development makes it difficult to control the comfort and accessibility of open space.

Line 8 Line 9

San Lazaro

Line A

Chapultepec

Line B

Pantitlan

Light Rail

Santa Anita

Observatorio

14 Barranca del Muerto

La Paz Constitución de 1917

Taxqueña Universidad

Xochimilco

5 km

Similar conditions are found at the CETRAMs. Clockwise from top left: El Rosario (c.baldwin); Taxqueña (j.wang); Chapultepec (t.mather).

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Pantitlan Indios Verdes Taxqueña Cuatro C. Chapultepec Universidad El Roasario Ciudad Azteca Observatorio La Paz San Larzo

973,000 847,000 500,000 480,000 253,000 212,000 187,000 180,000 156,000

Users per Day of 11 Major Cetrams

90,000 68,000

source: UTD

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Major Cetrams of ZMVM

CETRAM high density

Ciudad Azteca

CETRAM other Line 1

El Rosario

Politécnico

Line 2

Indios Verdes

Line 3

Martín Carrera

Line 4 Line 5 Line 6

Cuatro Caminos

Line 7 Buenavista

Line 8 Line 9

San Lazaro

Line A

Chapultepec

Line B

Pantitlan

Light Rail

Santa Anita

Observatorio

14 Barranca del Muerto

La Paz Constitución de 1917

Taxqueña Universidad

Xochimilco

5 km

Similar conditions are found at the CETRAMs. Clockwise from top left: El Rosario (c.baldwin); Taxqueña (j.wang); Chapultepec (t.mather).

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Pantitlan Indios Verdes Taxqueña Cuatro C. Chapultepec Universidad El Roasario Ciudad Azteca Observatorio La Paz San Larzo

973,000 847,000 500,000 480,000 253,000 212,000 187,000 180,000 156,000

Users per Day of 11 Major Cetrams

90,000 68,000

source: UTD

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Cetrams as Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Public transit offers an opportunity to accommodate multiple uses within smaller site area without needing to provide as much automobile circulation or parking infrastructure. Through transit-oriented development, increasing density allows for greater programming within shorter distances, thus facilitating walking and biking environments for site users.

For many residents of Mexico City, the idea of living within close proximity of a cetram may not seem appealing, but in other parts of the world, housing within transit-oriented development provides an attractive lifestyle, but would require greater control of spaces within the site without the use of physical barriers, as these open spaces provide opportunities for place-making through public

facilities, where safety and comfort can be established through a “strong sense of community, participation, identity, conviviality,” and ownership from residents and commercial/retail operators. As TODs become more popular internationally, the idea of transforming cetrams into nodes of multiple activities is evolving. For cetrams the following TOD definition appears most suitable:

Cetram Ciudad Azteca Becomes Mexipuerto The City and transit authorities can not redevelop the cetrams alone due to financial constraints and are in need of private investment. Private developers can harness this opportunity and create vital centers of activity that reach beyond the current role of the cetram. Source: Calthorpe, via Transit Cooperative Research Program, Sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration, “Transit-Oriented Development and Joint Development in the United States: A Literature Review”

“A compact, mixed-use community, centered around a transit station that, by design, invites residents, workers, and shoppers to drive their cars less and ride mass transit more. The centerpiece of the transit village is the transit station itself and the civic and public spaces that surround it.”

Mexipuerto is the first attempt at transforming cetrams into the concept of a TOD in Mexico City, while other plans are underway, including the redevelopment of Cetram Chapultepec in the historic center of DF. Lessons can be learned from the transformation of CetramCiudad Azteca into Mexipuerto, which has been designed, developed and is in operation today. This newly redeveloped cetram focuses on funneling transit users through an indoor retail core and into the lowerlevel transit infrastructure. The site programming is especially innovative for a Mexican transit station, which includes a hospital with various affordable and widely used services. The design of Mexipuerto consolidates the bus transit into a lower level, which can otherwise overwhelm the public space. In order to access the transit stations or transfer between rail to bus

transit, users are funneled through a mall-like indoor retail structure under camera and patrol surveillance. The structure efficiently moves users through the quickly and comfortably, while offering retail accommodations. Internal conditions have greatly improved the quality of the cetram and transit user experience, but the surrounding context continues to be problematic. In an effort to create this seamless transfer between transit modes, the design fails to acknowledge the surrounding community. Enclosing the retail into a large structure creates a boundary from the west-facing neighborhood, while the east-facing is already isolated from the development with a multiple-lane roadway. Furthermore, informal vendors have been pushed off the site and security guards supervise the premises. Informal vendors are a deeply

ingrained part of Mexico City culture, due to the economic structure, and perhaps should have been addressed through incorporation rather than stark exclusion. The design and programming of Mexipuerto is a radical transformation for a cetram station, but issues of community incorporation, including informal vendors can improve. A challenge for this project is to apply Mexican culture to the States understanding of transit-oriented development.

source/credits 1. TOD: Ballston, Arlington, West Virginia, USA (wikiuser: Thesmothete) 2. TOD: Mountain Dwelling BIG- Ørestad, Copenhagen, Denmark (dwell.com)

The Numbers:

3. TOD: The Bridges, Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (wikiuser: Twohalls)

Per Day 180,000 people

Rush Hour 18,000 people

Cost 68 million USD 825 million pesos

4. TOD: Karen Blixen Park, Ørestad, Copenhagen, Denmark (wikiuser: Jonas Smith)

Program 75,558 m2 total 2 levels retail 2 levels parking

2 1

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5,200 m2 hospital source: UTD; left image google earth; right image c.baldwin

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source/credits 1. TOD: Ballston, Arlington, West Virginia, USA (wikiuser: Thesmothete) 2. TOD: Mountain Dwelling BIG- Ørestad, Copenhagen, Denmark (dwell.com)

The Numbers:

3. TOD: The Bridges, Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (wikiuser: Twohalls)

Per Day 180,000 people

Rush Hour 18,000 people

Cost 68 million USD 825 million pesos

4. TOD: Karen Blixen Park, Ørestad, Copenhagen, Denmark (wikiuser: Jonas Smith)

Program 75,558 m2 total 2 levels retail 2 levels parking

2 1

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5,200 m2 hospital source: UTD; left image google earth; right image c.baldwin

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Intervention: Cetram Taxqueña

Site Issues Provide Opportunity

As 500,000 transit users pass through the Cetram Taxqueña per day, a unique yet challenging opportunity for redevelopment arises. The station, located within the Delegación of Coyocan is the southern entry point for commuters and visitors traveling to the DF. Those commuting from the south arrive via persero, regional bus, light rail, and taxi. Those traveling from the north via metro, pesero, taxis and trolley buses.

Taxqueña is located amongst several neighborhoods in a culturally significant delegación; however, the cetram is isolated due to physical boundary constraints that are unmovable without severe redevelopment on part of the city. The site is bisected by rail line and bound by a gated community to the north, a set of rail lines in the south east corner, an expressway to the west and heavily congested traffic to the east and west. The site boundaries limit the feasibility of truly integrating Taxqueña into the surrounding context; however integration with the surrounding context is possible to the south along Taxqueña Avenue with street alterations.

A complex and flexible network of peseros also serve commuters throughout the DF. Specifically the peseros that converge at Cetram Taxquena serve and extensive southern region of the DF. The precise routes of Peseros in Mexico City are unknown; however, based on final destinations, the direct routes of peseros departing from Cetram Taxqueña were mapped.

CETRAM CETRAM Taxqueña

Metro Line 2 Electric Trolley Bus Route K

Within this isolated site, several issues are apparent resulting in Taxqueña serving as a stop along the transit system rather than a true destination. Major issues include the following:

•

On site barriers and uneven programming fragment people

•

Blocked views and poor way finding disorient unfamiliar users

•

Under utilized space and minimal site programming

However, such issues provide opportunity to reimagine Taxqueña.

Electric

Trolley Bus Route A Xochi Light Rail

Rail Routes

Sur 129

5 km

map; t.mather

F.O.V.I.S.S.T.E.

Taxqueña Surrounding Conditions

Santa Fe Milpa Alta

Vicente Guerrero

Five major conditions isolate Taxqueña from the surrounding neighborhoods. (on aerial shown in red)

San Nicolas Minerva

Santa

Taxqueña

San Ángel

Puente Titla Deportivo Noperla

Cerro del Judío

Ciudad Universitaria

Huayamilpas Metro Universidad

Del Imán

Multiple Laned and Elevated Highway (top left)

Verde Carmen Serdan

Hospital Merlos

La Mora

Fenced Rail Lines (top middle)

San Lorenzo

Tlahuac Apaches

Gated Community (right top)

Aldama

Oyamel

La Noria

Walled Rail Line (right middle)

San Marcos Santiago Tulyehualco

Axalco

Caseta de Cobro

Congested Frequent Traffic (right bottom)

Los Reyes

Bachilleres

image credits clockwise from top left: a.amin; a.fortino; a.irvine; a.irvine; t.mather; google earth

Tetelco

Direct Pesero Routes Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

San Andrés

5 km

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Intervention: Cetram Taxqueña

Site Issues Provide Opportunity

CETRAM CETRAM Taxqueña

Metro Line 2 Electric Trolley Bus Route K

Within this isolated site, several issues are apparent resulting in Taxqueña serving as a stop along the transit system rather than a true destination. Major issues include the following:

•

On site barriers and uneven programming fragment people

•

Blocked views and poor way finding disorient unfamiliar users

•

Under utilized space and minimal site programming

However, such issues provide opportunity to reimagine Taxqueña.

Electric

Trolley Bus Route A Xochi Light Rail

Rail Routes

Sur 129

5 km

map; t.mather

F.O.V.I.S.S.T.E.

Taxqueña Surrounding Conditions

Santa Fe Milpa Alta

Vicente Guerrero

Five major conditions isolate Taxqueña from the surrounding neighborhoods. (on aerial shown in red)

San Nicolas Minerva

Santa

Taxqueña

San Ángel

Puente Titla Deportivo Noperla

Cerro del Judío

Ciudad Universitaria

Huayamilpas Metro Universidad

Del Imán

Multiple Laned and Elevated Highway (top left)

Verde Carmen Serdan

Hospital Merlos

La Mora

Fenced Rail Lines (top middle)

San Lorenzo

Tlahuac Apaches

Gated Community (right top)

Aldama

Oyamel

La Noria

Walled Rail Line (right middle)

San Marcos Santiago Tulyehualco

Axalco

Caseta de Cobro

Congested Frequent Traffic (right bottom)

Los Reyes

Bachilleres

image credits clockwise from top left: a.amin; a.fortino; a.irvine; a.irvine; t.mather; google earth

Tetelco

Direct Pesero Routes Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

San Andrés

5 km

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Envisioning a New Taxqueña The surrounding site conditions drive the proposal for re-imagining the cetram as a new district within Coyoacan. The situation of Taxqueña serves as an opportunity to turn the isolated cetram into a true gateway and destination: Distrito Tasqeueña.

GOAL 01

VISION

100m

To transform Taxqueña into a destination and lively district that provides services and amenities for residents and transit users

OBJECTIVES Improve the quality of transit users’ experiences

GOAL 02

GOAL 03

“The centerpiece of the transit village is the transit station itself and the civic and public spaces that surround it...”

Develop major civic anchors that serve as landmarks

Create a mixed use neighborhood with an active street level

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

•

Develop a concourse that seamlessly connects people to all transit modes on site

• • •

Integrate retail for varied populations

• • •

Create Center for Culture + History focused on Coyoacan and Xochimilco

• •

Provide varied open spaces in conjunction with anchors

Create a built framework that supports not excludes informal vendors Incorporate green spaces with built environment

Develop Innovation + Creativity Hub that supports entrepreneurs Create Health + Research Facility that provides general health services to the public and facilitates connections between improved health, the environment, and alternative transportation. Design pedestrian boulevard to connect Innovation Hub to Cultural Center

•

Develop vertical and horizontal mixed use to attract diverse residents and businesses

•

Create a balance between private and public spaces through courtyards, plazas, and pedestrian paths

•

Prioritize pedestrians and bicyclists

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Districts are areas in which people can go inside of; have a common characteristic; are recognized internally; and can be used as an external reference point to passersby. [Kevin Lynch] Landmarks are identifiable objects that serve as reference points, also aiding in way finding and sense of place, giving established character and imagery to the idea of a place – Mexico City: El Ángel de la Independencia, Coyoacan: Santa Catalina Church

GOAL 01

VISION

100m

To transform Taxqueña into a destination and lively district that provides services and amenities for residents and transit users

OBJECTIVES Improve the quality of transit users’ experiences

GOAL 02

GOAL 03

“The centerpiece of the transit village is the transit station itself and the civic and public spaces that surround it...”

Develop major civic anchors that serve as landmarks

Create a mixed use neighborhood with an active street level

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

•

Develop a concourse that seamlessly connects people to all transit modes on site

• • •

Integrate retail for varied populations

• • •

Create Center for Culture + History focused on Coyoacan and Xochimilco

• •

Provide varied open spaces in conjunction with anchors

Create a built framework that supports not excludes informal vendors Incorporate green spaces with built environment

•

Develop vertical and horizontal mixed use to attract diverse residents and businesses

•

Create a balance between private and public spaces through courtyards, plazas, and pedestrian paths

•

Prioritize pedestrians and bicyclists

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 1

Cetram Taxque単a the Current Site Chapter 2

Taxqueña Today Cetram Taxqueña is located within the Delegacion of Coyoacan, a borough rich in culture, where public life occurs in plazas and parks that makes it a destination for visitors. Allende Park, the viveros plant nursery and treeline streets provide an aesthetic and healthy quality to the landscape, while attributing to the coining of Coyoacan as a “leafy suburb.”

The history of Coyoacan is celebrated through the preservation of historic sites and the life that exists in them today. Colonia del Carmen is a wellknown neighborhood, containing the house of artist and historic figure Frida Kahlo; a destination for many visitors. The people of Coyoacan gather in plazas centered around churches, telling of the area’s colonial history and that are still very much a part of people’s lives.

Coyoacan Population per Household

Coyoacan was ranked within a list of twenty best neighborhoods by the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping sustain public spaces that build strong communities. Plaza Hidalgo is identified as a successful public space because of the social life through the exclusion of automobiles, the market and activities that occur, and the continual presence of people that help make it safe and comfortable. The plaza space becomes an extension of the church and restaurants that enclose it; a place for markets, music, socializing and resting along low-lying planter walls. Cetram Taxqueña serves as an entry point to Coyoacan for people traveling by public transit. Through innovative and thoughtful redevelopment,

Taxqueña

Cetram Taxqueña can be transformed into a destination that draws on the characteristics of greater Coyoacan that attracts outsiders and gives locals a sense of pride. This chapter lays out the existing conditions of Cetram Taxqueña; its relationship to its surroundings, the programs on site, and various issues that prevent optimal efficiency, comfort and sense of orientation that must be improved to begin transforming it into a place that easy to travel through and invites people to stay.

Source: pps.org/

4.26 people per house

4.06 people per house The Numbers: Total Population 628,063 people 47% males 53% females

3.62 people per house

Pop. Density 11,624/km2 (from top left clockwise) flickr creative commons; jarbear; Kate Mccarthy; Robert Blackie; OVBAL Y SEGO; looli

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

4.08 people per house

Non Residential

Colonias

Middle Income Homes

Institutional

Multifamily

High Income Homes

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Coyoacan Population per Household

Taxqueña

Source: pps.org/

4.26 people per house

4.06 people per house The Numbers: Total Population 628,063 people 47% males 53% females

3.62 people per house

Pop. Density 11,624/km2 (from top left clockwise) flickr creative commons; jarbear; Kate Mccarthy; Robert Blackie; OVBAL Y SEGO; looli

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

4.08 people per house

Non Residential

Colonias

Middle Income Homes

Institutional

Multifamily

High Income Homes

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Coyoacan Socio-Economics Profile The majority of people living within Coyoacan fall between middle and upper class. As of 2008, persons per household average 3.5. Of those living Coyoacan, 1.2% of the population held Bachelor’s degrees. These demographics differ greatly than those of typical public transit users. In an attempt to create a new form of cetrams, a balance must be struck between providing goods and services that attract new, higher income users, and providing the goods and services lower income users expect and depend upon.

Socio-Economic Levels

Description (Housing)

Monthly Income Pesos

Monthly Income USD

A/B

UPPPER CLASS

6+ bedroom, 2-3 bathrooms Specialized amenities At least 1 car/luxury cars.

at least 85,000 pesos

approximately $7,000

C+

UPPER MIDDLE

5+ bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms 1 family car, 1 compact car

from 35,000 to 84,900 pesos

from $3,000 to 7,000

MIDDLE CLASS

4 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms 1 car (usually uninsured)

from 11,600 to 34,900 pesos

from $955 to 3,000

D+

LOWER MIDDLE

3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms 1 of 4 have cars (public transport)

from 6,800 to 11,599 pesos

LOWER CLASS

2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms. public transport

from 2,700 to 6,799 pesos

“POPULAR”

dont own/rent: multi-generational 1-2 rooms, no full bath public transport

0 to 2,699 pesos

$$$$$

$$$$

Art + Education 23

There is a wealth of knowledge and arts within the borough, containing the Ciudad Universitaria (the main campus of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM), and about one kilometer north of Cetram Taxqueña is a cluster of arts and arts education institutions: Escuela Nacional de Art Teatral, Centro de Capacitacion Cinematografic, Centro Nacional de las Artes, and film studio Estudios Churubusco Azteca S.A.

$$$

adapted from m.galarza

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Socio-Economic Levels

Description (Housing)

Monthly Income Pesos

Monthly Income USD

A/B

UPPPER CLASS

6+ bedroom, 2-3 bathrooms Specialized amenities At least 1 car/luxury cars.

at least 85,000 pesos

approximately $7,000

C+

UPPER MIDDLE

5+ bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms 1 family car, 1 compact car

from 35,000 to 84,900 pesos

from $3,000 to 7,000

MIDDLE CLASS

4 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms 1 car (usually uninsured)

from 11,600 to 34,900 pesos

from $955 to 3,000

D+

LOWER MIDDLE

3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms 1 of 4 have cars (public transport)

from 6,800 to 11,599 pesos

LOWER CLASS

2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms. public transport

from 2,700 to 6,799 pesos

“POPULAR”

dont own/rent: multi-generational 1-2 rooms, no full bath public transport

0 to 2,699 pesos

$$$$$

$$$$

Art + Education 23

$$$

adapted from m.galarza

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions Coyoacan Streets Profile: Site Perimeter + Neighborhood Boulevards

Coyoacan Land Use Surrounding Taxqueña

Site Perimeter The southeast corner of Taxqueña is dominated by infrastructure, creating a street character that is automobile intensive. Heavy vehicle traffic restricts pedestrians from crossing, except at designated intersections, a trend reinforced with a barrier in the road median. Additionally, rail lines and the regional bus parking lot establish a point of impermeability of Taxqueña. Mixed-Use Single-Family Residential

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions The surrounding neighborhoods of Cetram Taxqueña are mainly single family homes, shown in gray, with some areas of multifamily homes, shown in yellow. The large green space north of the cetram is a private country club serving only a smaller portion of the Coyoacan population. The National Arts Center shown as commercial just north of the country club, contains several theaters, auditoriums, and schools of theater, dance, cinema, painting, sculpture, and engraving. East of the site, green spaces follow the street pattern, providing relief from the urban conditions. Commercial is concentrated along major corridors enclosing residential ares, while institutional uses, such as schools and churches are located mainly south of the cetram intermixed with residential uses.

Multi-Family

Residential

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions Commercial Institutional Transportation Facility Green Space

Bus Depot

Gas Station

Hotel

Church

Neighborhood Boulevards In contrast with the character of the site perimeter, the surrounding neighborhood streets have a walkable environment with minimal through traffic. Smaller residential streets are connected with large boulevards, as shown. Wide vegetated medians create a comfortable shaded environment, where pedestrians are able to cross, moving through the street network with ease.

School

Food Market

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions Coyoacan Streets Profile: Site Perimeter + Neighborhood Boulevards

Coyoacan Land Use Surrounding Taxqueña

Multi-Family

Residential

Site Surroundings: Perimeter + Neighborhood Conditions Commercial Institutional Transportation Facility Green Space

Bus Depot

Gas Station

Hotel

Church

School

Food Market

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Taxqueña Existing Site Uses

Site Programming

EXISTING USES

AREA (sq m)

Pharmaceutical research facility (Eli Lilly Mexico)

10,470

Train storage shed

34,140

Enclosed parking (Eli Lilly Mexico)

3,950

4 4 [1] 4 [2]

Music institution (Gran Forum)

5 5 [1] 5 [2]

Various commercial + retail

1,930 550 1,380

Supermarket (Soriana)

11,060

15 1

3,850 3,280 570

17 [1]

17 [2]

17 [3] 8 [3] 10 [2]

13 3

Restaurant (Toks)

710

8 8 [1] 8 [2] 8 [3]

Pedestrian bridges

1,800 680 810 310

Open-air local food vending

1,025

10 10 [1] 10 [2]

Concentration of informal vendors

2,250 1,220 1,000

Regional bus terminal

8,000

Rail terminus

215

Light rail and Metro station

5,400

Clinic

1,800

University (Universidad Interamericana Para el Desarrollo)

720

Mormon Church (Estaca Churubusco)

2,400

17 17 [1] 17 [2] 17 [3]

Bus maintenaince facility

2,570 400 820 1,350

4 [1]

4 [2]

8 [2]

5 [1]

10 [1]

6 5 [2] 11 7 9

8 [1]

Industria Equipamiento 100 m

Comercio

Industria | Industry

Equipamiento | Equipment

Comercio | Trade

Located in the northwest corner of the site is a pharmaceutical research, Eli Lilly de Mexico (1), which also owns the parking structure (3) just south of it, adjacent to the rail tracks. The research facility will remain as is in this design proposal. However, the parking structure will be reconfigured to better serve other programming

This programming description includes a variety of uses: health services, education, culture, recreation, sports, cemeteries, procurement, security and infrastructure. For this reason, the color-coded site plan above does not visually indicate the variety that exists in actuality. Many of the structures are appropriately labeled “equipment” being necessary to the operation and maintenance of transit (2, 11, 12, 13 and 17), however the other structures include culture and education institutions (4, 5 and 6).

The formalized commercial activity on the site is clustered around the retail anchor Soriana (6). The others (10) indicate informal vending that exists in other locations other than indicated. Despite their “informal” classification, many of the vendors have permits to conduct business in these areas, but their stalls are constructed gradually and with an informal structure.

on the site

The programming indications provided above were originally defined by UTD (Urban Travel Design) in conjunction with the City of Mexico analyzed the site.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Taxqueña Existing Site Uses

Site Programming

EXISTING USES

AREA (sq m)

Pharmaceutical research facility (Eli Lilly Mexico)

10,470

Train storage shed

34,140

Enclosed parking (Eli Lilly Mexico)

3,950

4 4 [1] 4 [2]

Music institution (Gran Forum)

5 5 [1] 5 [2]

Various commercial + retail

1,930 550 1,380

Supermarket (Soriana)

11,060

15 1

3,850 3,280 570

17 [1]

17 [2]

17 [3] 8 [3] 10 [2]

13 3

Restaurant (Toks)

710

8 8 [1] 8 [2] 8 [3]

Pedestrian bridges

1,800 680 810 310

Open-air local food vending

1,025

10 10 [1] 10 [2]

Concentration of informal vendors

2,250 1,220 1,000

Regional bus terminal

8,000

Rail terminus

215

Light rail and Metro station

5,400

Clinic

1,800

University (Universidad Interamericana Para el Desarrollo)

720

Mormon Church (Estaca Churubusco)

2,400

17 17 [1] 17 [2] 17 [3]

Bus maintenaince facility

2,570 400 820 1,350

4 [1]

4 [2]

8 [2]

5 [1]

10 [1]

6 5 [2] 11 7 9

8 [1]

Industria Equipamiento 100 m

Comercio

Industria | Industry

Equipamiento | Equipment

Comercio | Trade

on the site

The programming indications provided above were originally defined by UTD (Urban Travel Design) in conjunction with the City of Mexico analyzed the site.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Taxqueña: Existing Structures Metro Station

Estaca Churubusco (Mormon Church) + Universidad Interamericana Para el Desarrollo

Located centrally on the site, the metro and light rail station is the entry and exit point for many Taxqueña visitors. The station houses a simple train waiting area and small retail shops along a passenger corridor.

These private religious and educational institutions are located to the back, northern portion on the site. The buildings and their parking lots are enclosed in a fenced barrier, setting the institutions apart from the rest of the site, independent of the transit services provided at Taxqueña.

Rail Storage Shed + Turn Stop

Eli Lilly Mexico + Parking Lot

The rail storage shed must remain on the site as Taxqueña is a terminating stop that houses trains not in use. A continuation of this storage shed is a rail line extension located in the south east corner of the site. The line extension allows trains to switch tracks and back in and out of the storage shed. Unfortunately this function reduces the use capacity of the south east corner of the site, requiring a large wall barrier that restricts the permeability in that corner.

Eli Lilly & Co. is based out of Indianapolis, IN USA , an institution that leads pharmaceutical innovation. The facility provides well-paid jobs for residents across the region. The location of this facility today is not incorporated well into the site. Its parking structure is separated from its facility by the metro and light rail lines, increasing the distance that an employee or visitor would have to walk. Eli Lilly Mexico’s connection on the ground is not obvious to new users on the site.

Regional Bus Terminal + Maintenance Area

Soriana Supermarket

To the southeast of the site, the regional bus terminal is the entry/exit point for passengers traveling across the region, country, and beyond. The terminal provides small food and retail shops for people waiting to travel, and an under-utilized parking lot. This area is also the primary location for taxi waiting.

The supermarket on site provides a variety of goods, including food and general merchandise. The building is surrounded by a restricted-use parking lot that is unde rutilized. Supermarket shoppers must walk across the parking lot from the transit station, where a pedestrian path or public space may be more appropriate than parking spaces.

Clinic

Toks Restaurant + Various Commercial/Retail

Located beside the metro station, the clinic is easily accessible by transit, but also provides minimal parking, most likely for clinic employees.

Within close proximity to Soriana supermarket are retail, commercial, and restaurant establishments that provide services and goods, and maintain a comfortable outdoor space that is regulated by a guard to ward off loiterers.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Taxqueña: Existing Structures Metro Station

Estaca Churubusco (Mormon Church) + Universidad Interamericana Para el Desarrollo

Rail Storage Shed + Turn Stop

Eli Lilly Mexico + Parking Lot

Regional Bus Terminal + Maintenance Area

Soriana Supermarket

Clinic

Toks Restaurant + Various Commercial/Retail

Located beside the metro station, the clinic is easily accessible by transit, but also provides minimal parking, most likely for clinic employees.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site: Presence of Informal Vendors Informal economy is typically defined by a lack of formal regulation and legal recognition; however, 50% of the workforce in the DF exists because of the informal economy. Knowing informality is inevitable, the city has sanctioned two areas in the north and south for informal retail. Other undesignated groupings of informality are strung along the perimeter of the southern pesero bus area and the metro rail line walls in the north; and along the loading medians in the north and south. Such groupings indicate highly trafficked areas.

A variety of vendors exist ranging from racks with umbrellas and blankets laid on the ground, to portable booths and more permanent stands that appear as legitimate vendor stalls.

Vendor Typology Scale

1.6m 0.5m

Large

Medium

Small

Extra-small

Type

Permanent

Semi-Permanent

Semi-Mobile

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Mobile

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

No Stall

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

A variety of vendors exist ranging from racks with umbrellas and blankets laid on the ground, to portable booths and more permanent stands that appear as legitimate vendor stalls.

Vendor Typology Scale

1.6m 0.5m

Large

Medium

Small

Extra-small

Type

Permanent

Semi-Permanent

Semi-Mobile

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Mobile

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

No Stall

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site: Transit Flows

Site Issue: Fragmentation of Space Cetram Taxquena serves as a terminating stop along Metro Line 2 resulting in the limited development of the site. A third of the northern half of the site is dominated by a rail shed. A rail line needed to switch tracks creates an extensive barrier along the south east boundary of the site blocking opportunity to fully develop this area.

Cerro de Jesus

Metro Subway

Light Rail Trolley

LOCAL BUS

Peseros Regional Bus

a Ave. Canal de Miramontes

n Tlalpa METRO

METRO

Taxis Major Transit Entry Route Entrance/Exit Points

The metro and light rail lines also divides the site resulting in a division of pesero bus areas. All commuters must pass through the metro to switch between pesero areas; however, wayfinding to inform commuters of the location of other modes does not exist.

PESEROS

REG’L BUS

Metro station

and train shed Taxqueña

Metro train

45 m

Light rail trains

In plan view, the existing circulation appears relatively straight forward: transit modes located on the south portion of the site enter at the same point, then disperse to their designated areas along the metro station, while peseros located north of the site filter through to their loading areas.

Issues arise due to heavy traffic on the street and on site as well as a lack of organization and timing for transit vehicles once in their designated areas. Inconsistent and missing wayfinding signage paired with minimal road markings and pedestrian crossings create an undesirable environment for commuters attempting to traverse the site.

During site observations, several transit users appeared confused looking at a subway map in search of more information regarding other modes at Cetram Taxquena. This division of peseros and lack of wayfinding creates inefficient commutes and congestion of people attempting to transfer between modes.

Northern Division Southern Division

Metro station and train shed North bus area

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

South bus area

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site: Transit Flows

Cerro de Jesus

Metro Subway

Light Rail Trolley

LOCAL BUS

Peseros Regional Bus

a Ave. Canal de Miramontes

n Tlalpa METRO

METRO

Taxis Major Transit Entry Route Entrance/Exit Points

PESEROS

REG’L BUS

Metro station

and train shed Taxqueña

Metro train

45 m

Light rail trains

Northern Division Southern Division

Metro station and train shed North bus area

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

South bus area

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Site Issue: Blocked Views of Station + Thresholds

Site Issue: Under Utilized Space

Throughout the site, views of the station and points of entry and exits are blocked by the built environment. Shown to the right are four major blocked view sheds. The entry point to the transit area from Soriana is not strongly delineated, instead commuters must walk through an empty parking lot and pass through a narrow half meter opening along a line of vendors (view point A). For new users, this condition is disorienting as one assumes entry to a market area and not a large transit center.

Throughout the site several parking lots exist taking up 11% of the sites surface area. While overall parking does not consume an overwhelmingly large portion of the site, the lots are under utilized and are not the highest and best use of land.

Metro Station

The lots surrounding Soriana are relatively under utilized and serve for many as public space.

Soriana

b c a

In view B, a user standing on the pedestrian bridge that connects the metro station to the rest of the site, is unable to see the ground due to the enclosure of vendors at the bottom of the stair case. Once into this space it is unclear the exit to the near by taxi waiting area of access to peseros.

During site visits, numerous passive uses of empty parking lots were witnessed including, groups sitting on curbs, people chatting under the shade of trees, and a man sleeping using a curb to rest his head. These actions provide evidence that intentional and programmed space is demanded but not provided for currently on site.

Regional Bus Terminal

c a b

7,730 sqm 1,260 sqm 3,460 sqm

4,310 sqm 4,130 sqm

View C, is opposite of view B While on ground it is unclear how or where you approach the raised metro station, as the stairs are enclosed with covered informal vendors View D provides a different entry point experience. As one approached the site from the east and the south east, a large wall blocks all views of the metro station and surrounding uses. Unfortunately the wall is a necessary function of the site, providing a barrier between pedestrians and rail lines, thus cannot be removed.

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena 2 2 Distrito TaxquenaChapter Chapter

2,280 sqm 7,340 sqm

Site Issue: Blocked Views of Station + Thresholds

Site Issue: Under Utilized Space

Metro Station

The lots surrounding Soriana are relatively under utilized and serve for many as public space.

Soriana

b c a

Regional Bus Terminal

c a b

7,730 sqm 1,260 sqm 3,460 sqm

4,310 sqm 4,130 sqm

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 2

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena 2 2 Distrito TaxquenaChapter Chapter

2,280 sqm 7,340 sqm

Creating the District; a New Taxque単a Chapter 3

Creating the District The project goals guided the design and programming of this proposal to address existing site issues and create a distinct character that would be recognizable to transit users and site visitors, establishing the site as Distrito Taxqueña. The project proposal aims to:

Improve the quality of transit users’ experience

Develop major civic anchors that serve as landmarks

Create a mixed use neighborhood with an active street level

The retail and commercial options serve a varied population of transit users to provide essential goods like food through convenience options, and also accommodate lifestyles with leisure amenities. Recognizing vendors as a part of the community culture and way of life, the public spaces are designed large enough to facilitate both the inclusion of informal vendors and the movement and social enjoyment of pedestrians. By providing a framework for informal vendors, the quality of open spaces can be maintained, while still offering the vendors as a site amenity. Within these open spaces, vegetation offers a sense of relief amongst the dense urban fabric. Most green spaces on the site today an inaccessible to users. By incorporating them into site programming, the responsibility for maintenance of these spaces is understood.

A cultural center serves as both a buffer between the neighborhood and transit hub and an asset to the community, providing services, education, entertainment and other public amenities. The public plaza connects the concourse and pedestrian boulevard, which serve as the main passage between the east and west, making these civic anchor easily accessible. A tower adjacent to the public plaza acts as a landmarks to the connection between these civic anchors.

Building dense structures allows for increasing the amount and diversity of programming on the site, which can better serve the variety of residents and visitors, while also minimizing the walking distance between destinations. This encourages people to walk and facilitates an active street environment that will bring life into the public and private open spaces on site.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Residential Interior Space

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Improve the quality of transit users’ experience

Develop major civic anchors that serve as landmarks

Create a mixed use neighborhood with an active street level

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Residential Interior Space

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Strategy: Civic Anchors

The L-shaped courtyard of the Art Incubator provides a dynamic open space so that the artist community to maintain a public and private environment as necessary.

Public Plaza Library / Museum / Exhibit

Art Studios / Workshops / Shops Exhibits / Theater

YMCA

The placement and programming of the civic institutions on the site has a dual purpose, acting as a neighborhood buffer, while providing useful amenities to new residents and the surrounding communities. Considering the perception of existing conditions of cetram stations, safety and comfort may be a concern for prospective residents. Separating the neighborhood development from the transit infrastructure with a civic buffer minimizes the possibilities of crowds wandering into residential neighborhoods. Visitors to the art incubator would have a purpose in venturing to

Transit Info / Education Center Adult Learning / Computer Center

Education Center

the west end and most would be individuals with an invested interest in the community. The art incubator attracts visitors for exhibits, film screenings and small courtyard concerts. Artist housing units provide a live|work experience with easy access to studio space. The community of artists can coordinate events and exhibits in the open galleries and theaters. An education center and shops allow artists to share their trade through skill-sharing and profit. The civic institutions along the concourse offer amenities to the community and are easily

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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accessible to the general public. The programming of this civic center is diverse, providing both educational and entertainment to the public with a library, museum, theater, and an adult learning and computing center. Additionally, the YMCA offers an affordable alternative for health and fitness to the private gym located within one of the residential developments.

The facade of the far building is visible from the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pedestrian boulevard, drawing site visitors into the space.

The Pubic Plaza serves as a connector between the Library / Musuem / Exhibit, the YMCA, and the Art Incubator in the west. The space facilitates large numbers of people, is easily identifiable to visitors being centrally located, visible from the Concourse, and adjacent to the recognizable tower. Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Strategy: Civic Anchors

The L-shaped courtyard of the Art Incubator provides a dynamic open space so that the artist community to maintain a public and private environment as necessary.

Public Plaza Library / Museum / Exhibit

Art Studios / Workshops / Shops Exhibits / Theater

YMCA

Transit Info / Education Center Adult Learning / Computer Center

Education Center

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

The facade of the far building is visible from the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pedestrian boulevard, drawing site visitors into the space.

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Site Development Strategy

Activating Site through Nodes

Providing Pedestrian Access

Programming activity across the site reduces the amount of under utilized space on the site, while preventing congestion of flows in one area. The civic center is centrally located, connecting the other activity nodes on site: cinema, YMCA, Soriana, Health + Research Center, cafeteria, and Art Incubator.

Pedestrians are prioritized on the site, which is important for maintaining safe and comfortable streets, while emphasizing the importance of minimizing automobile use in a transitoriented development. The pedestrian access network provides seamless connections between spaces and site programs.

Transit Nucleus

Perimeter Sidewalks

Pedestrian Connections

Activity Nodes

Pedestrian Boulevard

Creating Dynamic Spaces

Acknowledging Environment

Open spaces on the site offer opportunities for relief, providing places to walk, sit, eat and socialize. Private spaces are controlled by residents, public space is open to the general public with minimal formal supervision, semi-public space is controlled by the adjacent private institution.

The green wall improves the aesthetic quality of necessary physical barriers on the site, such as the rail line wall. Urban agriculture plots allow residents to grow their own food and take ownership over their community space. Bioswales collect rainwater to filter out pollutants that might otherwise end up in the communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water system. These may require some maintenance, fees to businesses located in that area could be collected for this service is an appropriate authority is established for the district.

Public Space (raised)

Heavily Vegetated

Public Space (ground)

Bioswales

Semi-Public Space

Urban Agriculture

Private Space

Green Wall

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Site Development Strategy

Activating Site through Nodes

Providing Pedestrian Access

Transit Nucleus

Perimeter Sidewalks

Pedestrian Connections

Activity Nodes

Pedestrian Boulevard

Creating Dynamic Spaces

Acknowledging Environment

Public Space (raised)

Heavily Vegetated

Public Space (ground)

Bioswales

Semi-Public Space

Urban Agriculture

Private Space

Green Wall

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Megacentralities TaxqueĂąa Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Distrito Taxque単a Site Plan

Cinema Hostel

Art Exhibit Space

Public Plaza

Metro Station

Research Center Labs

Hospital

Health Education Pharmacy Cafeteria

Artist Live/Work Parking Structure N

University

Soriana Express Pesero Loading Museum Library + Adult Learning Center

Regional Bus

Park and Ride

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Distrito Taxque単a Site Plan

Cinema Hostel

Art Exhibit Space

Public Plaza

Metro Station

Research Center Labs

Hospital

Health Education Pharmacy Cafeteria

Artist Live/Work Parking Structure N

University

Soriana Express Pesero Loading Museum Library + Adult Learning Center

Regional Bus

Park and Ride

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Distrito Taxque単a Ground Floor Plan

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Distrito Taxque単a Ground Floor Plan

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

100m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Site Programming: Site Uses + Building Areas Within the District, mixed use development occurs horizontally and vertically. Commercial, Service, Civic and Office Uses create a buffer between the Concourse and the residential area. While integration of uses is key to transit oriented development, the influx of 500,000 commuters a day does call for some separation of certain uses such as residential from transit.

atmosphere as people travel from mode to mode. In the north east, a quieter atmosphere exists amongst the research center, hospital, and plaza.

Total: 8,400 sqm laboratory: 5,000 sqm research: 3,400 sqm

The diversity of uses encourages a dynamic mix of people, movement, and sights further enhancing Distrito Taxqueña.

Total: 10,600 sqm Total: 10,600 sqm research center: 10,600 sqmresearch center: 10,600 sqm

Total: 15,550 sqm hospital: 10,000 sqm emergency: 4,000 sqm parking: 1,550 sqm

The atmosphere in the west half of the District is slower and more neighborhood oriented while the Concourse provides a bustling

Total: 8,400 sqm laboratory: 5,000 sqm Total:sqm 14,200 sqm research: 3,400 parking: 7,100 sqm health plaza: 7,100 sqm

Total: 14,200 sqm parking: 7,100 sqm health plaza: 7,100 sqm Total: 11,600 sqm Total: 11,600 sqm children’s center: 3,000 sqm children’s center: 3,000 sqm 24-hr clinic: 6,000 sqm 24-hr clinic: 6,000 sqm parking: 2.600 sqm parking: 2.600 sqm

Total: 15,550 sqm hospital: 10,000 sqm emergency: 4,000 sqm parking: 1,550 sqm

Total: 4,800 sqm Total: 4,800 sqm cafeteria: 1,900 sqm cafeteria: 1,900 sqm health education: 1,430 sqm health education: 1,430 sqm pharmacy + health store: 1,470 pharmacy sqm + health store: 1,470 sqm

Total: 8,600 sqm Total: 8,600 sqm hotel: 5,000 sqm hotel: 5,000 sqm restaurants/bars/cafes: 1,900 restaurants/bars/cafes: sqm 1,900 sqm Total: 220 Total: 220 sqm office: 550 sqm office: 550 sqm Total: 1,700 sqm Total:sqm 1,700 sqm vendors: 200 sqmsqm vendors: 200 sqm retail: retail: 1,700 services: 250 sqm services: 250 sqm1,700 sqm parking: 900 sqm parking: 900 sqm Total: 9,000 sqm Total: 9,000 sqm residential: 5,900 sqm residential: 5,900 sqm Total: 1230 sqm Total: 1230 sqm offices: 615 sqm restaurants/bars/cafes: 340 restaurants/bars/cafes: sqm 340 sqm Total: 2,340 sqm Total: 2,340 sqm offices: 615 sqm 615restaurants/bars/cafes: sqm 615 sqm cinema: 2,200 sqm cinema: 2,200restaurant/bar: sqm 1560 sqm restaurant/bar: 1560restaurants/bars/cafes: sqm Total: 8,400 sqm Total: 8,400 sqm hostel: 560 sqm services: 780 sqm services: 780 sqm art studio/workshops: 2,100art sqm studio/workshops: 2,100hostel: sqm 560 sqm exhibits/theater: 2,100 sqm exhibits/theater: 2,100 sqm education center: 2,100 sqm education center: 2,100 sqm

Total: 14,400 sqm parking: 14,440 sqm

Use Categories Total: 40,00 sqm Total: 40,00 sqm metro facilities/offices: 6,820metro sqm facilities/offices: 6,820 sqm metro retail: 600 sqm metro retail: 600 sqm metro cafe: 130 sqm metro cafe: 130 sqm Total: 5,940 sqm Total: 5,940 sqm transit 330 service sqm service center: 1,500 sqm developer penthouse: 330 sqm developer penthouse: sqmcenter: 1,500transit office space: 4,950 sqm office space: 4,950 sqm reg’l bus waiting/platforms/offices: reg’l bus 3,000 waiting/platforms/offices: sqm 3,000 sqm eco-bici center: 660 sqm eco-bici center: 660 sqm reg’l bus food area: 700 sqm reg’l bus food area: 700 sqm reg’l bus maintenance area:reg’l 300 bus sqmmaintenance area: 300 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm Total: 4,470 sqm Total: 4,470 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm art shops/restraurant: 1,590art sqm shops/restraurant: 1,590 sqm artist housing: 2,880 sqm artist housing: 2,880 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm

Total: 2,280 sqm Total: 2,280 sqm Total: 2,680 sqm offices: 760 sqm offices: 760 sqm office: 1,340 sqm restaurants/bars/cafes: 520 restaurants/bars/cafes: sqm 520 sqm university: 1,340 sqm retail: 1,000 sqm retail: 1,000 sqm

Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm Total: sqm 1,200 sqm Total: 2,680 office: ymca: 1,340 1,200 sqm sqm university: 1,340 sqm

Total: 1,100 sqm commercial: 1,100 sqm Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

open concourse/bridges/platforms: 26,550 sqm 26,550 sqm Total: 6,230 sqm Total: 6,230 sqm open concourse/bridges/platforms: services: 1701,840 sqm sqm services: 170 sqm adult learning /computing center: adult learning 1,840 sqm /computing center: retail: 700sqm sqm retail: 700 sqm library/museum/exhibit: 2,600 library/museum/exhibit: sqm 2,600 vendors: 580 sqm restarurant: 920 sqm restarurant: 920 sqmvendors: 580 sqm post560 office: transit info/education center:transit 560 sqm info/educationreg’l center: sqm450 sqm reg’l post office: 450 sqm Total: 1,200 sqm ymca: 1,200 sqm

Residential Services Commercial Offices Civic Institutional Transit

Total: 2,270 sqm daycare center: 970 sqm soriana: 1,300 sqm

Parking

Total: 1,100 sqm commercial: 1,100 sqm Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

atmosphere as people travel from mode to mode. In the north east, a quieter atmosphere exists amongst the research center, hospital, and plaza.

Total: 8,400 sqm laboratory: 5,000 sqm research: 3,400 sqm

The diversity of uses encourages a dynamic mix of people, movement, and sights further enhancing Distrito Taxqueña.

Total: 10,600 sqm Total: 10,600 sqm research center: 10,600 sqmresearch center: 10,600 sqm

Total: 15,550 sqm hospital: 10,000 sqm emergency: 4,000 sqm parking: 1,550 sqm

The atmosphere in the west half of the District is slower and more neighborhood oriented while the Concourse provides a bustling

Total: 8,400 sqm laboratory: 5,000 sqm Total:sqm 14,200 sqm research: 3,400 parking: 7,100 sqm health plaza: 7,100 sqm

Total: 15,550 sqm hospital: 10,000 sqm emergency: 4,000 sqm parking: 1,550 sqm

Total: 14,400 sqm parking: 14,440 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm Total: 4,470 sqm Total: 4,470 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm art shops/restraurant: 1,590art sqm shops/restraurant: 1,590 sqm artist housing: 2,880 sqm artist housing: 2,880 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm

Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm Total: sqm 1,200 sqm Total: 2,680 office: ymca: 1,340 1,200 sqm sqm university: 1,340 sqm

Total: 1,100 sqm commercial: 1,100 sqm Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Residential Services Commercial Offices Civic Institutional Transit

Total: 2,270 sqm daycare center: 970 sqm soriana: 1,300 sqm

Parking

Total: 1,100 sqm commercial: 1,100 sqm Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Site Programming: Residential Units

Site Programming: Summary

A mixture of residential choices exists for those looking to live in the District. A unique feature found within the District is the artist residential area that consists of 35 live work studios. Others wishing to live within the District may choose from apartments, town homes, and studios depending on their preferences and lifestyle.

7% 14%

Total Use Summary 11%

25%

Total: 9,000 sqm residential: 5,900 sqm restaurants/bars/cafes: 340 sqm cinema: 2,200 sqm hostel: 560 sqm

Residential Unit Breakdown 30 x 2 bedroom @ 75 sqm each: 2,250 sqm 35 x 1 bedroom @ 60 sqm: 2,100 sqm 20 x studio @ 40 sqm each: 800 sqm circulation + utility: 750 sqm

24%

Use Total Area..........................................160,260 sqm

12%

Target: new professionals, college age, singles, young couples

Residential................................................11,780 sqm Office....................................................... 8,875 sqm Civic.........................................................17,420 sqm Institutional...............................................38,280 sqm Services................................................... 2,620 sqm Commercial..............................................19,275 sqm Transit...................................................... 39,600 sqm Parking.................................................... 22,400 sqm

0S 12% 0S 12%

LW 20% 1B 25%

0S Studio...................................35 units...1,400 sqm 1B Bedroom..............................50 units...3,000 sqm 2B Bedroom..............................30 units...2,250 sqm 3B Bedroom..............................15 units...1,500 sqm 3T Bedroom Townhomes..........09 units......900 sqm LW Live/Work Studios................35 units...2,400 sqm 0P Penthouse............................01 unit........330 sqm

Total: 5,940 sqm developer penthouse: 330 sqm office space: 4,950 sqm eco-bici center: 660 sqm

3T 8%

Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm

Total: 4,470 sqm art shops/restraurant: 1,590 sqm artist housing: 2,880 sqm Residential Unit Breakdown 15 x live/work studios @ 80 sqm: 1200 sqm 20 x live/work studios @ 60 sqm: 1200 sqm circulation + utility: 480 sqm

Residential Unit Breakdown 15 x 3 bedroom @ 100 sqm each: 1,500 sqm 15 x 1 bedroom @ 60 sqm each: 900 sqm 15 x studio @ 40 sqm each: 600 sqm circulation + utility: 600 sqm Target Client: Young families, couples, established professionals, singles

Residential Unit Breakdown 9 x 3 bedroom town homes @ 100 sqm each: 900 sqm circulation + utility: 180 sqm

Total Housing Summary

Housing Total Area.....................117,810 sqm Total Residents...........................280 - 400 people 2B 13% 2B 19%

Target Client: Established families and couples

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Site Programming: Residential Units

Site Programming: Summary

7% 14%

Total Use Summary 11%

25%

Total: 9,000 sqm residential: 5,900 sqm restaurants/bars/cafes: 340 sqm cinema: 2,200 sqm hostel: 560 sqm

Residential Unit Breakdown 30 x 2 bedroom @ 75 sqm each: 2,250 sqm 35 x 1 bedroom @ 60 sqm: 2,100 sqm 20 x studio @ 40 sqm each: 800 sqm circulation + utility: 750 sqm

24%

Use Total Area..........................................160,260 sqm

12%

Target: new professionals, college age, singles, young couples

0S 12% 0S 12%

LW 20% 1B 25%

Total: 5,940 sqm developer penthouse: 330 sqm office space: 4,950 sqm eco-bici center: 660 sqm

3T 8%

Total: 5,100 sqm residential: 3,600 sqm private gym: 1,500 sqm

Total: 1,080 sqm residential: 1,080 sqm

Residential Unit Breakdown 9 x 3 bedroom town homes @ 100 sqm each: 900 sqm circulation + utility: 180 sqm

Total Housing Summary

Housing Total Area.....................117,810 sqm Total Residents...........................280 - 400 people 2B 13% 2B 19%

Target Client: Established families and couples

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transit...................................................... 39,600 sqm Parking.................................................... 22,400 sqm Use Total Area..........................................160,260 sqm

24%

12%

Change in Building Program Use: Existing to Proposed Change in Building Program Use: Existing to Proposed

Decrease

Existing

30,000 sq m

Building Program Use

20,000 sq m

10,000 sq m

Increase

Proposed

Change

Residential .............................................. Office .................................................... Civic ..................................................... Institutiona ............................................ Services ................................................ Commercial .......................................... Transit .................................................. Parking .................................................

0 sqm .................. 0 sqm .................. 0 sqm .................. 8,770 sqm ........... 0 sqm .................. 14,725 sqm ......... 50,325 sqm ......... 30,510 sqm .........

11,780 sqm .......... 8,875 sqm ............ 17,420 sqm .......... 38,280 sqm .......... 2,620 sqm ............ 19,275 sqm .......... 39,600 sqm .......... 22,400 sqm ..........

+ 11,780 sqm + 8,875 sqm + 17,420 sqm + 29,510 sqm + 2,620 sqm + 4,550 sqm - 10,725 sqm - 8,110 sqm

Use Total Area..........................................

104,330 sqm .......

160,260 sqm ......

+ 55,930 sqm

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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24%

12%

Change in Building Program Use: Existing to Proposed Change in Building Program Use: Existing to Proposed

Decrease

Existing

30,000 sq m

Building Program Use

20,000 sq m

10,000 sq m

Increase

Proposed

Change

0 sqm .................. 0 sqm .................. 0 sqm .................. 8,770 sqm ........... 0 sqm .................. 14,725 sqm ......... 50,325 sqm ......... 30,510 sqm .........

11,780 sqm .......... 8,875 sqm ............ 17,420 sqm .......... 38,280 sqm .......... 2,620 sqm ............ 19,275 sqm .......... 39,600 sqm .......... 22,400 sqm ..........

+ 11,780 sqm + 8,875 sqm + 17,420 sqm + 29,510 sqm + 2,620 sqm + 4,550 sqm - 10,725 sqm - 8,110 sqm

Use Total Area..........................................

104,330 sqm .......

160,260 sqm ......

+ 55,930 sqm

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transit Flows The design of the Concourse creates ground level infrastructure for regional bus and pasero circulation while delineating transit circulation from neighborhood vehicular circulation. In this scheme, all buses enter at the same point; regional buses then break off, while paseros continue under the concourse before dispersing into the loading zone. Once passengers have loaded the buses, both systems exit by turning right onto Taxqueña Avenue.

Metro

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Metro Light Rail Light Rail Reg’l Bus Reg’l Bus Peseros Peseros

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Metro

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Metro Light Rail Light Rail Reg’l Bus Reg’l Bus Peseros Peseros

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transit Concourse Design The concourse provides access to both the bus terminal and the metro and light rail stations. The circulation of both local and regional buses occurs on the ground level below the concourse. This allows people to move through the site without having to weave through bus areas, and bus riders can descend onto the bus platforms to wait to board.

100m

10m 10m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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100m

10m 10m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transit Hub Details

58 Pasero Waiting Zone

Metro Interior

Regional Bus Zone

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Transit Hub Details

58 Pasero Waiting Zone

Metro Interior

Regional Bus Zone

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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User Flows Through Concourse

Metro/Light Metro/Light Rail Passengers Rail Passengers Reg’l Bus Reg’l Passengers Bus Passengers Peseros Passenger Peseros Passenger

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Neighborhood Neighborhood Visitor Visitor

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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The Metro Station’s connection point to the Concourse serves as the heart of the new hub and transportation infrastructure. Streams of people will also come from the pedestrian bridges and the public plaza/neighborhood area within Distrito Taxqueña. An elevated concourse minimizes conflict between pedestrians and vehicles improving the user experience of the system while allowing peseros, regional buses and taxis to smoothly enter and exit the site. To the right expected passenger flows are shown.

User Flows Through Concourse

Metro/Light Metro/Light Rail Passengers Rail Passengers Reg’l Bus Reg’l Passengers Bus Passengers Peseros Passenger Peseros Passenger

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

Distrito Taxquena Chapter 3

Neighborhood Neighborhood Visitor Visitor

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Planning for Informal Vendors Informal vendors are not only part of Expected Vendor Location Mexican culture but provide economic opportunities for those that otherwise may not be employed. Vendors locate where masses of people gather, thus their presence as all cetrams. It is inevitable that vendors will attempt to locate along the Concourse, amongst pesero loading zones, the Civic Plaza, and along pedestrian bridges. As a proactive strategy, vendors are acknowledge and incorporated into the site. Structures are provided to vendors for nominal fees, allowing these entrepreneurs access to market while regulating the amount of vendors located within the District and the aesthetic appearance of their stalls.

Vendor Stall Prototype 1 Vendor Stall - Prototype 2

Vendor Stall Locations

Vendor Stall Vendor StallPrototype - Prototype 12

1.5 m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Vendor Stall Prototype 1 Vendor Stall - Prototype 2

Vendor Stall Locations

Vendor Stall Vendor StallPrototype - Prototype 12

1.5 m

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Detailed Section of Hub

100m

Full Section

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Detailed Section of Hub

100m

Full Section

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Neighborhood Street Sections The widths of streets, sidewalks and bike lanes vary based roads orientation to prioritize different users on each path. The pedestrian boulevard restricts cars completely, providing courtyard access along the way. The east/west streets have wider sidewalks to improve the pedestrian experience. The north/south streets are geared more towards the automobile, but also provides a lane for bicyclists.

2.8m 6.5m

1.2m 2.3m

2.8m

5.6m

3.4m

2.7m

3.4m

1.5m

5.2m

15m 7.5m

3.4m

11.6m

14.5m

19.5m

15m 17m

37m

54m

north/south street

east/west street

10m

pedestrian boulevard 10m

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2.8m 6.5m

1.2m 2.3m

2.8m

5.6m

3.4m

2.7m

3.4m

1.5m

5.2m

15m 7.5m

3.4m

11.6m

14.5m

19.5m

15m 17m

37m

54m

north/south street

east/west street

10m

pedestrian boulevard 10m

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Development Highlights

Bioswales are used as a stormwater management system on the site. Through the strategic placement of trees and plants that excel at absorbing and filtrating water over time, bioswales prevent toxic runoff. Two large swales are implemented on the site. One runs through the pedestrian boulevard, creating a scenic streetscape. The other is located directly south of the bus hub, allowing for some of the site’s most toxic runoff to be filtered before entering the soil.

100m

chamaedorea microspadix

cordia boisseri

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

sambucus mexicana

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Development Highlights

100m

chamaedorea microspadix

cordia boisseri

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

sambucus mexicana

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Concentration of People at Rush Hour

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Concentration of People at Rush Hour

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User Profiles

User Profiles arrives RESEARCH CENTER 8:50 am 2:10 pm arrives METRO 5:30 pm 10:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 8:30 am 1:10 pm 10:15 pm

ARTIST: lives in artist live | work space

LAB TECHNICIAN: lives in TD housing works in Research Center

HOTEL GUEST: staying in TD for a week In DF for business

COMMUTER: commutes from south utilizes on-site daycare

COYOACAN RESIDENT: works at musuem in TD coordinates with art center

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL: lives in a courtyard community

STUDENT: shares an apartment studies at local university

LAB TECHNICIAN: lives in TD housing works in Research Center

arrives STUDIO 8:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 9:00 am 6:00 pm 12:00 am

arrives CAFE 9:15 am

arrives METRO 10:00 am 5:00 pm

begins / arrives HOTEL 11:30 am 12:00 am

arrives METRO 2:15 pm 7:00 pm

arrives CINEMA 9:45 pm

arrives GROCERY 5:15 pm

arrives RESTAURANT 7:15 pm

HOTEL GUEST: staying in TD for a week In DF for business

ARTIST: lives in artist live | work space

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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User Profiles

User Profiles arrives RESEARCH CENTER 8:50 am 2:10 pm arrives METRO 5:30 pm 10:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 8:30 am 1:10 pm 10:15 pm

ARTIST: lives in artist live | work space

LAB TECHNICIAN: lives in TD housing works in Research Center

HOTEL GUEST: staying in TD for a week In DF for business

COMMUTER: commutes from south utilizes on-site daycare

COYOACAN RESIDENT: works at musuem in TD coordinates with art center

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL: lives in a courtyard community

STUDENT: shares an apartment studies at local university

LAB TECHNICIAN: lives in TD housing works in Research Center

arrives STUDIO 8:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 9:00 am 6:00 pm 12:00 am

arrives CAFE 9:15 am

arrives METRO 10:00 am 5:00 pm

begins / arrives HOTEL 11:30 am 12:00 am

arrives METRO 2:15 pm 7:00 pm

arrives CINEMA 9:45 pm

arrives GROCERY 5:15 pm

arrives RESTAURANT 7:15 pm

HOTEL GUEST: staying in TD for a week In DF for business

ARTIST: lives in artist live | work space

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User Profiles

begins / arrives HOME 8:15 am 7:00 pm 1:00 am

arrives OFFICE 9:25 am 2:25 pm arrives RESTAUANT 1:15 pm

arrives METRO 8:25 am 5:30 pm

arrives RESTAURANT 8:15 pm

arrives DAYCARE CENTER 9:15 am 6:10 pm

begins / arrives BUS TERMINAL 8:45 am 6:40 pm arrives GYM 5:45 pm

COMMUTER: commutes from south utilizes on-site daycare BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL: lives in a courtyard community

arrives PLAZA 11:00 pm

arrives MUSEUM 9:40 am 2:15 pm

arrives ART EXHIBIT 4:30 pm arrives CAFE 1:00 pm

begins / arrives CONCOURSE 9:30 am 7:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 10:00 am 6:10 pm 2:15 am

arrives METRO 10:15 pm 2:00 pm

arrives BAR 11:40 pm

arrives LIBRARY 2:15 pm

arrives GROCERY 6:30 pm

COYOACAN RESIDENT: works at musuem in TD coordinates with art center

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STUDENT: shares an apartment studies at local university

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User Profiles

begins / arrives HOME 8:15 am 7:00 pm 1:00 am

arrives OFFICE 9:25 am 2:25 pm arrives RESTAUANT 1:15 pm

arrives METRO 8:25 am 5:30 pm

arrives RESTAURANT 8:15 pm

arrives DAYCARE CENTER 9:15 am 6:10 pm

begins / arrives BUS TERMINAL 8:45 am 6:40 pm arrives GYM 5:45 pm

COMMUTER: commutes from south utilizes on-site daycare BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL: lives in a courtyard community

arrives PLAZA 11:00 pm

arrives MUSEUM 9:40 am 2:15 pm

arrives ART EXHIBIT 4:30 pm arrives CAFE 1:00 pm

begins / arrives CONCOURSE 9:30 am 7:00 pm

begins / arrives HOME 10:00 am 6:10 pm 2:15 am

arrives METRO 10:15 pm 2:00 pm

arrives BAR 11:40 pm

arrives LIBRARY 2:15 pm

arrives GROCERY 6:30 pm

COYOACAN RESIDENT: works at musuem in TD coordinates with art center

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STUDENT: shares an apartment studies at local university

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Development Phasing Phase 1 Renovate Metro Station

Phase 5 Develop Clinic + Research Labs

Extend current metro station to connect to future concourse.

Build labs, new clinic, cafeteria structures. At this point, land assemblage for neighborhood area should be finalized.

Create addition to enclose light rail lines into structure.

In order for the Cetram to transition into a TOD, the public must be convinced that the Cetram is reborn. Successful development of the Concourse, Civic Plaza and Research/Health Anchor will support the developer’s goal of creating a new image for the Cetram.

Relocate pesero buses to existing north bus area.

Phase 2 Construct Main Concourse

Phase 6 Develop Commercial + Residential Area

Construct section of concourse for peseros and develop large south-west pedestrian bridge including retail and other uses.

Clear assembled neighborhood area and prep land as “development ready” to sell if desired (such as residential buildings).

Create bioswale and informational signage in bioswale area describing the transformation of Taxqueña.

Develop retail and pedestrian boulevard.

Phase 3 Develop Civic Plaza

Phase 7 Construct Hospital

Transition peseros to concourse.

Develop hospital.

Develop civic anchors, cafe strip, tower.

Relocate school and possibly church to neighborhood development.

Phase 4 Construct Concourse Addition

Phase 8 Develop Arts Incubator + Parking Structure

Develop concourse extension and regional bus addition.

Create artist live-work area and redevelop existing Lilly parking lot to a structure.

Create green wall surrounding rail line. Renovate north-east and south pedestrian bridges.

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Cetram Transformation complete! Sit back and enjoy.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Development Phasing Phase 1 Renovate Metro Station

Phase 5 Develop Clinic + Research Labs

Extend current metro station to connect to future concourse.

Build labs, new clinic, cafeteria structures. At this point, land assemblage for neighborhood area should be finalized.

Create addition to enclose light rail lines into structure.

Relocate pesero buses to existing north bus area.

Phase 2 Construct Main Concourse

Phase 6 Develop Commercial + Residential Area

Construct section of concourse for peseros and develop large south-west pedestrian bridge including retail and other uses.

Clear assembled neighborhood area and prep land as “development ready” to sell if desired (such as residential buildings).

Create bioswale and informational signage in bioswale area describing the transformation of Taxqueña.

Develop retail and pedestrian boulevard.

Phase 3 Develop Civic Plaza

Phase 7 Construct Hospital

Transition peseros to concourse.

Develop hospital.

Develop civic anchors, cafe strip, tower.

Relocate school and possibly church to neighborhood development.

Phase 4 Construct Concourse Addition

Phase 8 Develop Arts Incubator + Parking Structure

Develop concourse extension and regional bus addition.

Create artist live-work area and redevelop existing Lilly parking lot to a structure.

Create green wall surrounding rail line. Renovate north-east and south pedestrian bridges.

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Cetram Transformation complete! Sit back and enjoy.

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Transfer of Property

Time

Developer

Existing Landowners

Government

New People

Developer + Stake Holder’s Timeline Year 0

Year 1

Year 30

Transit Users + Community

From this perspective, the concourse can be seen as a connector to not only various areas on the site, but extending to the surrounding neighborhoods as well, drawing in users from the community.

Government + Transit Authorities Existing Land Owners Existing Business Owners Vendors Pasero Companies Regional Bus Company

ag re em en

re lo

tr ea

tio n

ch ed

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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tia te d

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Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Transfer of Property

Time

Developer

Existing Landowners

Government

New People

Developer + Stake Holder’s Timeline Year 0

Year 1

Year 30

Transit Users + Community

From this perspective, the concourse can be seen as a connector to not only various areas on the site, but extending to the surrounding neighborhoods as well, drawing in users from the community.

Government + Transit Authorities Existing Land Owners Existing Business Owners Vendors Pasero Companies Regional Bus Company

ag re em en

re lo

tr ea

tio n

ch ed

Megacentralities Taxqueña Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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Final Review

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Final Review

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Acknowledgments We thank the following individuals for their support and knowledge of Mexico City: Clients | Jose Miguel Bejos + Manuel Cervantes Client Liason | Sol Comacho TCAUP Professors | Maria Arquero De Alarcon + Lars Graebner

The Team (Left to Right) Angela Fortino, MUP 2011 Catherine Baldwin, M.Arch, 2012 Tara Mather, MUP 2011 Anand Amin, M.Arch 2012

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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The Team (Left to Right) Angela Fortino, MUP 2011 Catherine Baldwin, M.Arch, 2012 Tara Mather, MUP 2011 Anand Amin, M.Arch 2012

Megacentralities Taxque単a Station as a New Urban Paradigm

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G RAN TERMINAL TASQUENA Chris Canna | Branden Clements | Torrence Law | Patrick McDonnell

Contents

CETRAM Tasque単a

Gran Terminal Tasque単a

Reconnect Tasque単a

Build A Grand Terminal

Create a Destination

Project Implementation

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 5

CETRAM Tasque単a 6

CETRAM Tasqueña Mexico City is one of the biggest urban regions in the world with over 19 million residents and covering nearly 1,500 km2 (UTD). In order for the city to function, it relies heavily on a complex transportation infrastructure featuring multiple transit modes, including North America’s second largest metro system, light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit and a wide variety of bus networks. Using this system, passengers take 14.8 million trips per day, and are frequently required to switch between modes (UTD). The major transfer stations in Mexico City are called Centros de Transferencia Modals, or CETRAMs. These stations receive 4 million passengers per day, and are the primary interchanges between the metro system and Mexico City’s bus and light rail services. They are typically centered around a metro station and have substantial infrastructure for buses, most notably for “colectivos,” or micro-buses. These buses are operated by private companies and have defined but flexible routes with no fixed schedules. There are 45 CETRAMS in Mexico City; the busiest of which are located at terminal metro stations that receive anywhere from 500,000 to nearly 1 million passengers per day (UTD). Despite their high passenger volume and importance to Mexico City’s

overall transportation infrastructure, however, the CETRAMs’ mostly consist of obsolete and dangerous infrastructure plagued by pollution, crime and inefficiency (UTD). As a result of these poor conditions, Mexico City’s government has been attempting to improve the CETRAM’s through publicprivate partnerships and redevelopment. Most recently, Urban Travel Design redeveloped CETRAM Ciudad Azteca into a shopping mall and hospital, simultaneously improving the connection between the metro and bus infrastructure, as well as the safety and efficiency of the bus terminal. The city and investors are also looking at the redevelopment potential of CETRAMs El Rosario, Chapultepec, and Tasqueña.

Tasqueña CETRAM Tasqueña, located in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough at the southern end of metro line 2, is the third largest CETRAM in terms of ridership with 500,000 passengers per day using its metro, light rail and bus connections. CETRAM Tasqueña is also the terminal bus station for regional bus service from southern Mexico entering the city.

Like most CETRAMs, Tasqueña suffers from two broad problems that limit its efficient and effective operation. First, the CETRAM is characterized by spatial and political fragmentation that creates inter-modal conflict and results in poorly related and maintained land use programs. Tasqueña contains a variety of businesses, and public/private institutions, ranging from the metro station to a major discount retailer to a music guild and performance theater. These stakeholders are poorly related, however. Spatially, they are separated by physical barriers such as fences and wide-open parking lots. Politically, there is little cooperation between their owners and managers, which has led to unkempt, unsafe and inefficient shared space. Second, Tasqueña’s current form does not capture the station’s full social and economic value. Tasqueña is built at a very low density compared to its surrounding neighborhood, and has relatively few internal circulation routes. This configuration results in incoherent internal networks illegible to visitors, and increases conflicts between transit modes. The low-density also fails to maximize the full economic potential of Tasqueña’s strategic location or capture its importance as a hub and gateway with enormous daily passenger volume.

CETRAM Tasqueña 7

Context

Mexico City

Gulf of Mexico

CETRAM Tasqueña is a major hub within Mexico City, where the metro, light rail, trolley buses, microbuses and regional coach buses all meet. As the southern terminus for metro line 2, it is also a primary gateway into the heart of Mexico City for passengers coming from the city’s south and southern Mexico.

Servicio de Transportes ElÈctricos del D.F.

Conexión con

Tren Ligero Dirección Xochimilco

Mexico City

Pacific Ocean

Regional-bus Destinations

400 km radius

Tasqueña

Bus / Light Rail Service Area

Coyoacán CETRAM Tasqueña is located in Mexico City’s Coyoacán borough in an upper-middle class neighborhood called Campestre Churubusco. The surrounding neighborhood mostly consists of single-family row homes with pockets of five to eight story multi-family buildings. Retail and commercial activity is concentrated along a series of major avenues that pass through the borough. Coyoácan also has many cultural amenities, including UNAM, Mexico’s largest university.

CETRAM Tasqueña 8

UNAM

Coyoacán Center Major Arterial Avenue

Tasqueña Metro Light Rail

Coyoacán is a low-rise, high-density borough with local retail and services concentrated on major arterial avenues.

CETRAM Tasque単a 1. Metro and Light Rail Station 2. South Microbus Terminal

3. North Microbus Terminal

4. Southern Regional Bus Station

5. Soriana: Discount Retailer and Grocer 6. Gran Forum: Music Performance Center

7. Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals

8. Metro Maintenance Sheds 9. Inter-American University for Development

10. Latter Day Saints Church 11. Regional Bus Maintenance

2 4

300m

CETRAM Tasque単a 9

Current Conditions

Barriers Cetram Tasqueña is currently isolated from its surroundings by a series of barriers that limit access to the metro station. An elevated highway runs along the site’s estern edge, and the metro and rail tracks run through the middle of the site and along its eastern edge, severely limiting pedestrian and vehicular access. The few entry points to Tasqueña are concentrated along its southern and northeastern edges, but even here access is constrained by two traffic clogged arterial streets with poor pedestrian infrastructure. Within Tasqueña itself, access is further constrained by interior fences and walls that prevent crossing from one area to another and make internal pathways difficult to read and follow.

A ten foot wall protecting the train tracks runs through the middle of Tasqueña and along its western edge.

CETRAM Tasqueña 10

Av. Canal de Miramontes Access Point Rail Tracks

Interior Barriers

Av. Tasqueña

Elevated Highway Access Points

Fences and parking lots create interior barriers, like this one between Soriana and the Metro Station.

Avenue Tasqueña creates a significant pedestrian barrier between Campestre Churubusco and Tasqueña due to its high traffic flow and lack of pedestrian amenities, beyond a single pedestrian bridge.

Current Conditions

Fragmented Land Use

Gran Forum Entrance

The only current destinations in Tasque単a are the Soriana, its related businesses, and the Gran Forum. These are good potential anchors, but they are poorly related to the transit station. Fences, barriers and parking lots limit access between them and prevent pedestrians from easily passing from one to the other. They also literally turn their back on the station with front entrances facing the far western edge of the site. Informal vendors, on the other hand locate along main pedestrian paths to attract customers.

Informal Street Vendors

Barrier Fence Soriana Entrance

Existing anchors, pedestrian flows and barrier fence.

The route from the metro station to the Gran Forum has no pedestrian infrastructure and leads to the back entrance.

Fences block most of the access between Soriana and the metro station except for a single gate.

The Soriana shows its back to the metro and bus terminals.

CETRAM Tasque単a 11

Current Conditions

Low Density Form CETRAM Tasqueña has a distinctly different form compared to its surrounding neighborhoods. Open hardscape makes up 54% of the ground cover, mostly due to surface parking, and buildings have no more than two stories. The abrupt change in form at Tasqueña breaks the city’s rhythm, and creates foreign landscape at the heart of Coyoacán.

Building Footprints

23.6

12.54

4.5 2.1

1.8

Football Field

Hardscape

142,500m2

54%

Building

75,900m2

23.6%

Rail Track

27,000m2

12.5%

Vegetation

12,600m2

Informal Vendors

5,600m2

CETRAM Tasqueña 12

Looking northeast at Tasqueña.

Retail currently takes the form of a suburban strip mall.

Hardscape and surface parking predominate.

Current Conditions

An Invisible Terminal CETRAM Tasqueña is a major gateway into the heart of Mexico City that sees 500,000 passengers per day (UTD). Despite its importance as a gateway and transit hub, however, it has an incoherent and meek form, particularly compared to major transit hubs in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Entering Tasqueña from the southern pedestrian bridge through a cluster of informal vendors.

Continuing into Tasqueña the station is still invisible.

Tasqueña Station’s current entrances are small and narrow, and give no indication of the station’s importance.

A typical road in CETRAM Tasqueña cluttered with informal vendors. Poorly defined routes for pedestrians and buses creates significant conflict.

A regional-bus squeezes by taxis and informal vendors to reach the regional bus station.

Loading areas are exposed and cluttered by informal vendors, while inconsistent arrival and departure times leave passengers waiting.

Inefficient and Uncomfortable Infrastructure Cetram Tasqueña’s microbuses idle for up to an hour waiting for passengers, informal vendors crowd narrow passageways and unsanitary conditions predominate, creating congestion, pollution and an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for passengers. There is also significant conflict between different modes as taxis, microbuses and regional buses fight for the same territory.

CETRAM Tasqueña 13

2 6 4

9 5

Gran Terminal Tasque単a

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 14

1. North Bus Terminal 2. South Bus Terminal 3. Metro and Light Rail Station

4. Housing 5. Office Block 6. Hotel

7. Taxco Plaza 8. Cinemex 9. Regional Bus Station

Gran Terminal Tasqueña To address CETRAM Tasqueña’s spatial and political fragmentation and maximize the site’s full economic and social value, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will be a mixed-use, transit oriented development that includes: • A new Tasqueña station built to a scale consistent with its passenger volume and importance as a gateway • A new public plaza that compliments the station’s importance and creates a new center for social life in Coyoacán • Multi-family housing that meets the demand for quality residences in close proximity to public transit • Office space for firms who require convenient access to Mexico City’s other major employment centers • Retail and entertainment aimed at transit users and Coyoacán residents Three goals will guide the creation of Gran Terminal Tasqueña: reconnecting Tasqueña to its surrounding neighborhoods, building a grand terminal, and creating a destination.

Reconnect Tasqueña Tasqueña is currently disconnected from its surrounding neighborhoods by a series of physical barriers and by its lowdensity, suburban form, which creates an illegible and inefficient pedestrian and vehicular network that breaks the rhythm of the surrounding city. In order to remedy these problems, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will extend Campestre Churubusco’s grid onto the site. This will remove barriers and increase access points while improving Tasqueña’s legibility to visitors. It will also provide an new urban fabric that will facilitate higher density development. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will also redesign immovable physical barriers such as the arterial avenues in order to increase pedestrian accessibility and ease traffic congestion.

Build a Grand Terminal Tasqueña’s present built form does not reflect its importance as transit hub and gateway to Mexico City, and the relationship between its various terminals creates conflict between multiple transit modes. Gran Terminal Tasqueña, however, will have a grand public terminal combining metro, light rail and microbuses into a cohesive whole built to accommodate 500,000 daily passengers. It will also alter transit routes around the new,

urban grid in order to minimize conflict between buses, taxis and pedestrians, and introduce a new public plaza, the size of an entire city block to ease pedestrian access, frame the new station and create a focal point for the new development.

Create a Destination Given the value that access to public transit and large flows of people typically generates for landowners, Tasqueña could support much higher density development as well as a wider variety of land uses. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will introduce much higher density to the site in order to maximize its value. It will also introduce new office, retail, entertainment and housing options in an effort to create a 24 hour destination for working, living and playing. These new uses will center around a new public plaza fronting the new Tasqueña station.

Project Implementation Urban Travel Design could potentially implement Gran Terminal Tasqueña in four phases beginning with a core around Tasqueña station and Taxco Plaza, the new public plaza. The first stage will integrate the microbus terminals with the metro and light rail station, introduce new retail options inside the station and clear Gran Terminal Tasqueña 15

the way for redevelopment on the rest of the site. The second phase will establish a retail and office cluster around Taxco Plaza and Tasqueña Station that will serve as the core of Gran Terminal Tasqueña. Once established, the core is potentially self-sustaining without further development, and could act as a regional retail, entertainment and office destination. From phase two, phases three and four can flexibly react to changing market conditions and develop housing or additional retail and office space as appropriate. We recommend developing housing in these phases, however, in order to enhance the retail and office uses as well as to provide quality living opportunities in close proximity to public transit. In addition to Gran Terminal Tasqueña’s physical implementation, Tasqueña’s various stakeholders require a new organizational structure to maintain and manage their common infrastructure. Large open plazas and streets near transportation infrastructure require careful management in Mexico City, otherwise informal vendors and crime will occupy vacant spaces, and traffic congestion will dominate the streets. To avoid this at Gran Terminal Tasqueña, we recommend that Urban Travel Design continue its management structure for CETRAM Ciudad Azteca at Tasqueña in order to effectively maintain the station and prevent traffic congestion. Additionally, we recommend developing a Business Improvement District (BID) around Taxco Plaza to maintain the plaza and surrounding streets and provide a safe environment for travelers and visitors. A BID is a public-private partnership that brings stakeholders together under a non-profit management structure, and provides them with revenue via a levy on area businesses or landowners. The BID uses this revenue to finance maintenance, programming and marketing efforts that benefit all BID stakeholders.

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 16

Goals

1 Reconnect Tasqueña

2 Build a Grand Terminal

3 Create a Destination

Challenges

Objectives

Significant physical barriers between Tasqueña and surrounding neighborhoods. Incoherent and lowintensity built form limits accessibility to transit and fails to maximize the site’s value.

•

Extend city grid into Tasqueña to remove barriers, create new access points and increase internal legibility

•

Redesign Ave. Tasqueña and Canal de Miramontes to lessen barrier between Tasqueña and neighborhoods

Connections between transit modes are inefficient and uncomfortable. The station design and environment do not reflect the station’s passenger volume.

•

Redesign Tasqueña station and public space to emphasize its importance as a gateway and transit hub

•

Redesign transit station and circulation to limit conflict and increase transit efficiency

•

Reorganize station management to increase transit efficiency and maintain station

Low-intensity and fragmented land use fails to take advantage of the value generated by proximity to public transit. Fragmented political and ownership structures result in inefficiency and poor maintenance of public spaces.

•

Create a regional shopping, entertainment and work destination

•

Redevelop underutilized land to take advantage of proximity to public transit

•

Create opportunity for people to live in close proximity to public transit

•

Organize stakeholders to effectively manage and maintain public space

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 17

Reconnect Tasque単a 18

Gran Terminal Tasque単a residential street.

Reconnect Tasqueña Cetram Tasqueña is poorly connected to its surrounding neighborhood, which inhibits easy and efficient access to its stations, and restricts its full development potential. Significant physical barriers limit vehicular and pedestrian access to site, and the lack of a coherent internal street network makes it difficult to navigate. As a result of this poor basic framework, CETRAM Tasqueña suffers from fragmented and low density land use that fails to capture the full value that proximity to a major transit hub should produce for landowners and the community as a whole. In order to address these deficiencies, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will extend Campestre Churubusco’s urban grid onto the site, which will create new access points, and create a more coherent internal street network easily legible to visitors. Extending the grid will also provide a backbone well suited to high density urban development.

In addition, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will remove many of the internal barriers that currently limit access between transit modes and different programs as well as between Tasqueña and its surrounding neighborhood. This is partly accomplished by extending the city grid, which will provide greater visual and physical accessibility to the station and between different programs. It will also be accomplished by redesigning the arterial avenues surrounding the site, which are currently congested and lack basic pedestrian infrastructure,

Challenges •

Significant barriers between Tasqueña and its surroundings

•

Internal barriers fragment land uses and create illegible internal network

•

Low density built form in a location capable of supporting much higher density

Proposed Improvements •

Extend city grid into Tasqueña to remove barriers, create new access points and increase internal legibility

•

Redesign Ave. Tasqueña and Canal de Miramontes to lessen barrier between Tasqueña and neighborhoods

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 19

Urban Grid Extending Campestre Churubusco’s grid into Tasqueña removes barriers and increases the number of access points onto the site for pedestrians and vehicles. It also provides a legible and easy to navigate internal network for visitors and residents, and a backbone for developing higher, urban densities.

Grid extension removes barriers, increases access.

Gran Terminal Tasqueña picks up on the surrounding block pattern and provides a legible form.

Grid allows an urban form consistent with surrounding neighborhoods. Photo from Google Street View

Reconnect Tasqueña 20

Pedestrian Streets Strengthening Tasqueña’s connection to its surrounding neighborhoods means creating a pedestrian scaled street network that supports urban density. This includes the major arterial roads that surround the site, particularly Avenues Tasqueña and Canal de Miramontes. Enhancing the pedestrian infrastructure on these streets will make the grid extension more meaningful, turning a major barrier into a seam.

Av. Tasqueña current condition (above): cluttered, narrow medians with no pedestrian amenities. B

Widened Median On-Street Parking

Sidewalk w/ Bioswale

Residential Street proposed

10m

Handicap Accessible Curb

10m

Narrower Lanes Reduce Traffic Speed

10m

Section AB

Avenue Tasqueña proposed

Gran Terminal Tasqueña Scale: 1 cm = 2 m

Build a Grand Terminal 22

Gran Terminal Tasque単a metro station platform.

Build a Grand Terminal Challenges Tasqueña receives 500,000 passengers each day, making it the third busiest CETRAM in Mexico City. Most of these passengers come from the city’s southern boroughs or southern Mexico, and, for them, Tasqueña’s metro connection makes it a gateway to the entire city. Therefore, the station is not only an important hub, but also a major entry point into the largest and most important city in Mexico. CETRAM Tasqueña’s physical form gives no indication of its importance, however. Instead, it welcomes people with a cramped, chaotic environment characterized by inter-modal conflict, poor visual access and unsanitary conditions. Gran Terminal Tasqueña, however, will create a grand public terminal by clearly integrating the microbus terminals with the metro and light rail station. This new station will have large open spaces and vaulted ceilings in order to provide an environment consistent with Tasqueña’s high passenger volume. The new station will also

contain new retail options that take advantage of its high passenger volume and provide services to transit users. This retail will provide the necessary funding to improve transit infrastructure management, particularly for microbuses on a model similar to Urban Travel Design’s structure at CETRAM Ciudad Azteca. Improved management along with the greater spatial control provided by integrating the terminals will greatly improve passenger comfort and transit efficiency at Tasqueña. Finally, a grand public space, Taxco Plaza, the size of a full city block, will frame Tasqueña Station and emphasize its importance. It will also create clear visual access to the station and channel pedestrian flows, while a providing retail, entertainment and work options to transit users and visitors.

•

Station form does not communicate its importance as a major transit hub and gateway to Mexico City

•

Inter-modal conflict and congested entry and exit routes

•

Uncomfortable and unsafe user experience

Proposed Improvements •

Redesign Tasqueña station and public space to emphasize its importance as a gateway and transit hub

•

Redesign transit station and circulation to limit conflict and increase transit efficiency

•

Reorganize station management to increase transit efficiency and maintain station

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 23

Grand Terminal In order to create a grand terminal fitting Tasqueña’s importance and passenger volume, we propose moving the south microbus terminal, and creating a public plaza the size of a full city block in front of Tasqueña Station. The station itself would also be modified through a new facade and concourse meant to act as a true gateway to Mexico City. The combination of Taxco Plaza, flanked by shops, cafés and offices, and Tasqueña Station creates a grand terminal and opens the station to its surroundings, creating a new landmark for Coyoacán.

1. Taxco Plaza 2. Tasqueña Station Concourse 3. South Microbus Terminal 4. North Microbus Terminal

Gran Terminal Tasqueña Floor Plan. The plaza continues into the station through its new, open facade and consistent paving into the station’s first level.

Taxco Plaza

SPO_001

50m Build a Grand Terminal 24

SPO_002

Section AB

Looking at the new Tasqueña Station from a café on Taxco Plaza.

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 25

Taxco Plaza Programming

New Years Celebration

“Zócalo Square” by Photolibrium Flickr Creative Commons

Build a Grand Terminal 26

Outdoor Concerts

“Plaza Mayor” by Peter Curbishley Flickr Creative Commons

Cafés on the Plaza

June

May

April

March

February

January

Public spaces require consistent programming, particularly near CETRAMs, to avoid informal vending, crime or neglect. For that reason, Taxco plaza is designed to accommodate a wide variety of uses.

Interactive Fountain

“Atlanta Fountain” by Russbengtson Flickr Creative Commons

Film Festival

“Movie on the Tundra” by kcolwell Flickr Creative Commons

Public Art Exhibition

“Art Museums Struggle” by MexicoReporter Flickr

December

November

October

September

August

July

Volley Ball Tournament

Tianguis

Independence Day Celebration

“Mexican Independence Day” by Jan’s Cat Flickr Creative Commons

Christmas Market Día de los Muertos Celebrations

“Dia de los Muertos Parade” by Jennifer Janviere Flickr

“Downtown Holiday Market” by afagen Flickr Creative Commons

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 27

Tasque単a Station The new Tasque単a Station features an open floor plan and large interior spaces that reflect its importance as a major transit hub and gateway into Mexico City. It also brings the metro, light rail and bus terminals into one clearly defined space by extending the station walls around the bus terminals and integrating retail and services along the paths between modes.

Retail

Soriana Second Level

Clinic

North Microbus Terminal

Existing Stairs

Retail

South Microbus Terminal

First Level Retail

Build a Grand Terminal 28

50m

Looking at the South Microbus Terminal from the metro tracks toward Tasque単a Station.

Elevators/Escalators to Microbuses

Elvated Walkway over Metro Tracks

Long Span Tensile Structure

50m

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 29

Building on Existing Station The proposed metro station plugs into the existing transit infrastructure maintaining use of existing stairs and first level columns. The long span structure reduces columns on the second level and opens up views to the metro platforms, improving visual and physical access to the metros.

Existing Second Level Circulation

Gran Terminal Tasque単a Second Level Circulation

Create a Destination 30

Entrance into Tasque単a Station.

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 31

Circulation In order to improve traffic circulation and reduce conflict between different modes, Gran Terminal Tasque単a separates car and regional bus circulation from microbus routes and establishes complete streets with pedestrian and bike infrastructure. This is made possible by extending the surrounding city grid onto Tasque単a, which increases the number of access points and available circulation routes.

Existing Circulation

Metro and Light Rail

Gran Terminal Tasque単a Circulation

Pedestrian

Build a Grand Terminal 32

Bus

Bicycles

Cars

Case Studies

Zurich Hauptbahnhof Like most large European train stations, Zurich Hauptbahnhof is a grand public space with a prominent facade facing a large public plaza, and an open interior plan that emphasizes its importance as well as the importance of Zurich as a whole. The station is also a social center that includes over 100 shops, 38 restaurants and basic services such as banking, post boxes and tourism information all integrated into the station itself (SBB, ShopVille). These retailers and service providers thrive with 300,000 passengers using Zurich HB each day, and make the station a destination in its own right (SBB, Joint Project). Gran Terminal Tasqueña will follow the lead of stations like Zurich HB and take on a grander form that reflects Tasqueña’s importance as a major transit hub with 500,000 daily passengers. Specifically, the metro station entrance will have a new facade and vaulted concourse that fronts a new public plaza, Taxco Plaza, that will enhance the station’s stature. Additional retail will also be incorporated into the station in order to take advantage of its passenger volume and provide services to busy commuters.

(“Zurich Train Station” by Colin Eles Flickr Creative Commons

“Zurich Train Station” by Drogonroy, Flickr Creative Commons)

CETRAM Ciudad Azteca Ciudad Azteca is a CETRAM located in Estado de México at the end of metro line B. In 2008, Urban Travel Design received a 30 year lease on the CETRAM and entirely rebuilt the station. Specifically, they enclosed the micro-bus terminal and added a retail mall and hospital above. They also updated the management structure and technology in order to provide greater security and passenger comfort. By taking greater control over the space, they were able to eliminate informal vending from the bus waiting areas and more strictly enforce bus schedules, thus reducing waiting times for passengers as well as congestions from idling buses. Learning from Ciudad Azteca’s success, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will also establish greater control over the micro-bus terminals in order to remove informal vending and provide clean and comfortable waiting areas for passengers. The station will accomplish this by bringing the bus terminals within its walls and creating clearly defined waiting areas for each bus based on its destination. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will accompany this design change with improved management and security technology that will greatly reduce crime and improve station maintenance. As at Ciudad Azteca, adding new retail options targeted at passengers will provide the financing necessary to implement these changes.

Advanced surveillance technology and active management at Ciudad Azteca help keep informal vendors and crime at bay, while efficient management of the microbuses decreases waiting times and congestion. Photos by Katie Baldwin, Megacentralities

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 33

Create a Destination 34

Taxco Plaza looking at Tasque単a Station.

Create a Destination Currently, CETRAM Tasqueña is a place people pass through on their way to other destinations within Mexico City or Southern Mexico. Gran Terminal Tasqueña, however, will be a destination in its own right with opportunities to live, work and play within easy walking distance of the station itself. Gran Terminal Tasqueña accomplishes this by introducing new retail, entertainment, office and housing programs to Tasqueña at a much higher density than is currently present. This higher density captures the value created by proximity to public transit and large daily passenger volumes, and creates a true destination that has the potential to be an active, lively place 24 hours a day 365 days a year. New dining, shopping and entertainment options aimed at Coyoacán’s middle class residents as well as transit users will center around Taxco Plaza and Tasqueña station. New office space aimed at back-office operations

for larger Mexican and international firms as well as boutique firms, such as law offices, will also focus on the plaza allowing them to take advantage of Tasqueña’s connectivity to other major employment centers in the city. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will also feature multifamily housing aimed at families, young adults and students who desire close proximity to public transit in order to reach school, work, shopping and entertainment. The combination of these uses along a new, legible, urban street grid will create value that is greater than the sum of its parts as office workers eat lunch in Taxco Plaza during the day, business travelers stay in the hotel, residents catch dinner and a movie after work, or visitors from surrounding neighborhoods go shopping and enjoy a concert in the plaza.

Challenges •

Tasqueña is not a destination in and of itself

•

Low intensity and fragmented land uses fail to take advantage of the value generated by proximity to public transit

•

Fragmented political and ownership structures creates land assembly and maintenance problems

Proposed Improvements •

Create a regional shopping, entertainment and work destination

•

Create opportunity for people to live in close proximity to public transit

•

Redevelop underutilized land to take advantage of proximity to public transit

•

Organize stakeholders to effectively manage and maintain public space

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 35

South Micro Bus Terminal Concourse 6,000m2 Office Towers Office 19,000m2

Hotel 200 Rooms

Tasque単a Station Retail 3,500m2 Concourse 4,000m2 Clinic 1,500m2

North Micro Bus Terminal Concourse 7,600m2

Housing Total Units 450 1 bdr 200 2 bdr 100 3 bdr 70 Live/work 80

Office Towers Office 1,500m2 Cinemex 8 Screens Taxco Plaza Retail 13,750m2 Office 19,000m2 Open Space 13,000m2

Total Build Out 107,800sm2 Retail 14,000sm2 Office 54,000sm2 Hotel 4,300sm2 Residential 35,500sm2

Create a Destination 36

Retail

Transit

Office

Hotel

Residential

OFFICE NEIGHBORS VISITORS TRANSFER

Gran Terminal Tasqueña’s programming will create a 24 hour destination active everyday of the week. Each program will draw and benefit different users at different times of day and different days of the week. For example, a resident would be able to live at Tasqueña, use the transportation infrastructure to commute to work, and then meet friends for a drink and a movie on Taxco Plaza.

RESIDENT

A 24 / 7 Destination

MONDAY lunes

TUESDAY martes

WEDNESDAY miercoles

THURSDAY jueves

FRIDAY viernes

Trasportation

Hotel

Station Retail

Office + Plaza Retail

SATURDAY sabado

SUNDAY domingo

Housing

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 37

Taxco Plaza Taxco Plaza will be Gran Terminal Tasqueña’s center for retail, entertainment and office. It will include shopping and dining options aimed at middle class Coyoacán and Mexico City residents as well as a movie theatre and performance space on the plaza itself. Office space will attract back office operations for large firms as well as smaller boutique firms.

soriana

Restaurants • VIPS • Sanborns Café • El Globo • Independent Cafés

The retail is well positioned to take advantage of pedestrian flows to and from Tasqueña Station and will activate the plaza while Turning Tasqueña into a shopping and entertainment destination. Office space will also benefit from proximity to Tasqueña’s hotel, retail and entertainment programs, because they will give clients, business travelers and office workers an attractive environment for lunch and afterwork activities.

Entertainment • Cinemex • Bars • Discothèques

cinema

Create a Destination 38

Potential Retail Tenants Stores • Sanborns • Fabricas de Francia • Zara • H+M • Gandhi Bookstore • Independent Boutiques

boutique office majorback brands office service office independent boutiques basic retail major brands boutique independent high-end restaurant basic retail independent café grab nhigh go end restaurant independent cafe grab n go

boutique office back office office service visitors office workers

Potential Office Tenants Back Office Operations • Coyoacán Pharmaceutical Companies • Firms Headquatered on la Reforma and other major employment centers Boutique Office • Gran Forum practice facilities and offices • Law Firms • Architectural Firms • Small Consulting Firms

Hotel Gran Terminal Tasqueña will include a ten story, 200 room hotel that will punctuate Taxco Plaza and act as a local landmark. The hotel is meant to complement the offices on site and in the surrounding area by providing easy access to public transportation and entertainment for business travelers. It also has conference and auditorium space available.

Swimming Pool Sky Bar

Outdoor Café

Auditorium

50m Gran Terminal Tasqueña 39

Housing Gran Terminal Tasqueña will introduce housing in close proximity to public transit, shopping and entertainment as well as basic services. This will meet demand for housing that provides an urban setting and does not require a car for daily activities, and should prove particularly attractive for young adults, students and families.

Underground Parking

Shared Courtyard

Gran Terminal Tasqueña Housing Total Units 450 • 1 bdr 150 • 2 bdr 150 • 3 bdr 70 • Live/work 80 Average Unit Size 100m2

Landscape Buffer

Underground Parking B

Shared Courtyard

50m

Create a Destination 40

Roof-top Terrace

Section A-B

Two Bedroom Unit Single Story

Bridge Floors

One Bedroom Unit Single Story

Live Work Units Two Story

Middle Floors

Green Roof

Terrace

Double Height Glazing

Balcony First Floor Scale: 1 cm = 2 m

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 41

Landscape Strategy Landscape is an integral part of Gran Terminal Tasque単a that utilizes native species to give each area a unique identity that helps visitors navigate the neighborhood. Trees in the housing area serve as buffers, the oak on the southern edge sheltering the housing from busy Avenida Tasque単a while the alders shield the buildings from harsh western sun all year long. The shrubs line the pedestrian pathways, creating a sense of continuity as one traverses the site laterally. The swales planted with high grasses on the eastern side of the housing serve as areas for on-site water management. Lastly, the courtyard gardens within the housing blocks contain fruit-bearing trees, providing a fragrant experience to the residents allowing them to utilize and consume the fruit that is produced.

Trees

Shrubs Mexican Alder

Yucca

Oak

Buttercup Bush

Fruit Trees Avacado Black Cherry Mexican Hawthorn

Create a Destination 42

Grass

Species (Mexican)

Aile

Encino

Liquidamber

Yuca

Species (U.S.)

Mexican Alder

Oak

American Sweetgum

Yucca

Height

6-20 m

7-25 m

15 m

Coverage

>7m

6-10 m

Flowering Period

November and May

April to June

Uses on Site

Retama de Tierra Caliente

Aguacate

Capulin

Tejocote

Hierba de Pluma

Buttercup Bush

Avocado

Black Cherry

Mexican Hawthorn

Mexican Feather Grass

n/a

1-4.5 m

15 m

5-15 m

4-10 m

0.7 m

6-8 m

n/a

1.5-4 m

8-10 m

6-9 m

4-6 m

n/a

March to June

April to June

April to August

May to July

March to May

March to September

n/a

Lining pedestrian pathways

Couryard gardens in housing

Swales on east side of housing

Lining Shading on surrounding Lining east west side of side of avenues; housing creating buffer Taxco Plaza from roads

Photograph

Source: Rodríguez Sanchez, Luis M. and Eréndira J. Cohen Fernández. Gu´â de Árboles y Arbustos de la Zona Metropolitana de la Diudad de México. Flexíon, 2003.

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 43

Parking Even though Gran Terminal Tasqueña is a transit oriented development parking will remain important in order to have viable retail, office and housing programs. Underground parking structures will be developed throughout the site and provide 1,300 hundred spaces for office workers, residents and visitors. If parking demand exceeds expectations, the initial structure can easily scale up by increasing the number of underground levels, or by adding more underground parking in the residential area. Gran Terminal Tasqueña Parking Total 1,300 On-street 150 spaces • Underground Structured 1,150 •

Current Parking Total 1,085 • Surface Parking 1,085

Create a Destination 44

Residential Parking

Parking for retail, office and hotel Parking for retail, office and residential Parking for retail, office and Regional Bus Station

Business Improvement District (BID) Many of CETRAM Tasqueña’s problems will not disappear through design changes alone, because they are symptoms of its fragmented political and ownership structure, which prevents cooperation between stakeholders. A Business Improvement District (BID) centered around Taxco Plaza, however, could provide these stakeholders with a means of working together as well as a stable funding source to finance maintenance and security throughout Gran Terminal Tasqueña. BIDs are non-profit, public-private partnerships used to fund improvements and maintenance within a defined area, usually adjacent to a large public space, or in a city’s central business district. They receive revenue by charging a levy on businesses or property owners located within the BID boundary, and use these funds to finance maintenance, programming and marketing. A board of directors oversees the BID, and contains members elected by local business and property owners, as well as local government officials and community representatives. This structure allows multiple stakeholders to come together and manage commonly shared space with a stable revenue source. Day-to-day BID management is typically handled by full-time staff hired by the board of directors.

BID Structure and Activities Financing Methods Levy Property or Business Owners Public / Private Grants Management Structure Board of Directors • Property or Business Owners • Local Government Officials • Community Representative

Potential BID area for Gran Terminal Tasqueña.

Full-Time Staff • Chief Executive Officer • Security/Maintenance • Event Planning • Marketing Activities

Maintenance Security • Litter removal • Capital Improvements •

Programming • Concerts • Markets • Sporting Events • Art Fairs Public Relations • Advertise Special Events • Create District Brand • Market District to Visitors

Business Improvement Districts providing financing for security and maintenance staff as well as public art installations and streetscape improvements. A BID could be used in Gran Terminal Tasqueña to manage public spaces that are currently unsafe, dirty and poorly used. (Photos from www.goldentriangledc.com) Gran Terminal Tasqueña 45

Project Implementation 46

Gran Terminal Tasque単a final build out.

Project Implementation Gran Terminal Tasqueña will require careful implementation to achieve its three goals: Reconnecting Tasqueña, Building a Grand Terminal and Creating a Destination. Reconnecting Tasqueña means extending Campestre Churubusco’s grid onto the site thereby creating greater access from surrounding areas, and laying a foundation for creating urban density. It also means removing the physical barriers within Tasqueña itself, and redesigning the major arterial avenues that surround the site in an effort to improve pedestrian accessibility and relieve congestion. Building a Grand Terminal requires redesigning Tasqueña Station to more cohesively integrate bus service with the metro and light rail, and to reflect Tasqueña’s importance as a hub and gateway to Mexico City. It also involves building a new public plaza in front of the station to enhance its image and provide visual and physical accessibility.

Creating a Destination means introducing new and denser programming to Tasqueña that will take advantage of proximity to public transit and high passenger volumes. By bringing office and housing to Tasqueña and substantially increasing the amount of retail, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will become an active, 24 hour destination. Urban Travel Design could potentially implement Gran Terminal Tasqueña in four phases beginning with a core around Tasqueña station and Taxco Plaza. The first stage will integrate the microbus terminals with the metro and light rail station, introduce new retail options inside the station and clear the way for redevelopment on the rest of the site. The second phase will establish a retail and office cluster around Taxco Plaza and Tasqueña Station that will serve as the core of Gran Terminal Tasqueña. Once established, the core is potentially self-sustaining without further development, and could act as a regional retail, entertainment and office destination. From

phase two, phases three and four can flexibly react to changing market conditions and develop housing, or additional retail and office space as appropriate. Beyond physical implementation, Gran Terminal Tasqueña will require negotiation with multiple landowners to assemble the necessary parcels. These landowners should ultimately benefit from the new terminal, however, and could be brought into the project as partners who are able to retain their existing businesses and infrastructure. After Gran Terminal Tasqueña is implemented, it will also be important to maintain its new open spaces and pathways, so that Tasqueña’s current problems do not reappear. A business improvement district (BID) will allow the various stakeholders to cooperate in post-project management with a stable revenue source for maintenance, programming and marketing in Gran Terminal Tasqueña. Gran Terminal Tasqueña 47

New Tasque単a Station South Microbus Terminal Moved

Taxco Plaza

Arterial Avenues

Soriana Moved

Phase One

Phase Two

New Tasque単a station built, integrating microbus terminals into metro and light rail station. South microbus terminal moved to western portion of station. Soriana relocated into new station.

Urban grid extended into Tasque単a. Taxco Plaza built with surrounding retail, office and structured parking. Gran Forum relocated to plaza area. Av. Tasque単a and Canal de Miramontes redesigned.

Office Block Multi-family Housing Multi-Family Housing

Phase Three

Phase Four

Grid extension continues. Additional office and structured parking constructed. First round of Multi-family housing completed.

Final grid extension and multifamily housing completed.

Project Implementation 48

Land Assembly Urban Travel Design could potentially implement Gran Terminal Tasqueña in four phases, but the land assembly process will require significant negotiation and coordination with current landowners and stakeholders. For that reason, Gran Terminal Tasqueña is designed to offer benefits to the exisitng landowners to encourage their cooperation Transit Authorities Their are four primary transit authorities controlling land at Tasqueña: Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC) controls the metro station. Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos (STE) controls the light rail platforms. Secretaria de Transportes y Vialidad (STV) controls the microbus terminals, and Central Camionera del Sur controls the regional bus station. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will most greatly affect STC, STE and STV and each benefit from a new station with increased retail space that can help subsidize better transportation management and security. Central Camionera del Sur will continue to operate from their current station, which is presently under renovation, but the project requires purchasing their western parking lot. We propose compensating them for this lot by allowing access to the new underground parking structure that will be located on the same site.

Current Business Owners While the physical form of businesses currently on the site will change, Gran Terminal Tasqueña can retain them as tenants. For example, the businesses owned by Group Gigante could be relocated into Tasqueña Station or along Taxco Plaza. Group Gigante could also become a direct investor in the project as a partial owner of the retail and office buildings as well as multifamily-housing. Gran Terminal Tasqueña will not directly affect Eli Lilly’s pharmaceutical facility, but does require purchasing one of their parking lots. Again, they could be compensated for the lost parking by providing them with access to our underground parking structures.

Transit Operators • STC • STE • STV • Central Camionera

Benefit Improved Station; Retail revenue funds better station management infrastructure; Access to structured parking

Business Owners • Group Gigante • Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals

Benefit Businesses retained but in new form; project investors; Access to structured parking

Cultural Organizations • Gran Forum

Benefit New office and practice facility; outdoor concert space on Taxco Plaza

Cultural Organizations Gran Terminal Tasqueña will require moving the Gran Forum, and we propose compensating them with a new facility built into our office and retail space along Taxco Plaza. They could also be heavily incorporated into the plaza’s programming through frequent outdoor concerts.

Gran Forum

Group Gigante

Central Camionera

STV

STC

Gran Terminal Tasqueña 49

Sources Urban Travel Design (UTD). “Megacentralities Presentation” January 2011. Powerpoint available at www.megacentralities.com Rodríguez Sanchez, Luis M. and Eréndira J. Cohen Fernández. Gu´â de Árboles y Arbustos de la Zona Metropolitana de la Diudad de México. Flexíon, 2003. SBB. Joint Project between Canton of Zurich and SBB. Available at http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/infradienstleistungen/infra-bau/infra-grossprojekte/infra-durchmesserlinie_zuerich.htm. SBB. ShopVille-RailCity Zürich. Available at http://www.railcity.ch/en/index_zuerich.htm.

Create a Destination 50

Gran Terminal Tasque単a from the southeast.

Gran Terminal Tasque単a 4