Cosoleacaque Main Plaza: A Cultural and Sustainable Urban Renewal

The Cosoleacaque Main Plaza, located in Cosoleacaque, Veracruz, Mexico, is a significant urban renewal project that blends modern architectural design with rich cultural heritage. The project, completed in 2022, was spearheaded by Colectivo MX, Gabriel Konzevik, Reyes Ríos, and Larraín Arquitectos, and aims to enhance the public space for both local residents and visitors. With an area of 3,000 m², this redesign focuses on creating a more welcoming, sustainable, and functional environment for the community.

Key Design Principles: Sustainability and Community Focus

The revitalization of Cosoleacaque’s main public square is part of a broader initiative by SEDATU (Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario, Territorial y Urbano) and is financed by the federal government of Mexico. The project's design principles are rooted in improving the quality of social life, emphasizing the community's connection to the space. The architects conducted an in-depth review of the current physical infrastructure to understand how the public interacted with the plaza.

Climate and Cultural Considerations in the Design

Given the subtropical-humid climate of Cosoleacaque and the area's deep cultural history—dating back to pre-Hispanic times—the design takes into account the natural environment, local traditions, and economic constraints. The design strategy embraces flexibility, ensuring that the plaza can accommodate a variety of activities while respecting the area's heritage.

Recycling Existing Elements and Using Local Materials

One of the standout features of the Cosoleacaque Main Plaza redesign is the focus on recycling and optimizing existing elements that were still in good condition. The architects have also prioritized locally available materials that can withstand the region's climate, ensuring both sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Materials such as pigmented concrete, natural concrete, and artisan-traditional bricks were chosen for their durability and connection to local craftsmanship.

Shade and Comfort: A Key Design Element

In response to the intense heat and humidity, the plaza design places a heavy emphasis on providing ample shade. Both architectural features and natural vegetation are integrated to create shaded areas throughout the space. This approach not only makes the plaza more comfortable for visitors but also contributes to the overall sustainability of the environment.

Aesthetic and Cultural Reinterpretation

To strengthen the community's connection to the space, the architects integrated design elements inspired by local culture. Color-cross stripes and circular rings are prominent motifs that add vibrancy and cultural significance to the plaza's aesthetic. These elements serve as a visual reminder of the community's identity and heritage.

Architectural Enhancements: Vaulted Corridor and Open Stage

A major architectural intervention in the Cosoleacaque Plaza is the replacement of the previous concrete arches with a 54-meter vaulted corridor. This new feature not only serves as a functional roof for traditional social gatherings and celebrations but also enhances the overall aesthetic character of the plaza.

The existing mid-twentieth-century vaulted open stage was carefully preserved and enhanced. The unnecessary elements were removed, and a clay-block screen was added, serving as a backdrop to the stage. This careful adaptation respects the plaza's history while making it more suitable for contemporary use.

Preserving Nature: Trees and Green Spaces

In an effort to maintain the environmental character of the plaza, the architects preserved nearly half of the existing trees. Despite not being endemic species, these mature trees were kept due to their age and contribution to the natural environment. New, younger trees were planted to extend the shade provided by the trees, improving the plaza’s green spaces.

 A Community-Centered Urban Space

The Cosoleacaque Main Plaza serves as a prime example of how urban spaces can be reimagined to enhance social interaction, cultural identity, and sustainability. By blending traditional architecture with modern interventions, this project creates a space that reflects the community’s roots while fostering a vibrant, functional environment for future generations.

All Photographs are works of  Andrés Cedillo - Grupo Provimex