El Patio

Objectives: 

• Water system: to create a water body that collects rain water and has a function even when it is empty during drought season
• Biodiversity: to include local species in the project and promote a safe space for local fauna
• Public Function: 
•  to serve the need of its community by being a place for gathering, performing, business, relaxation, rest, frolicking, etc.
• Harmony: to find a balance in the integration of the design objectives in the park
• Context: to understand and create a dialogue with the surrounding neighborhoods (Lomas Independencia, Postes Cuates, Belisario Dominguez, and Santa Maria; in one of the biggest cities of Mexico).
• Sustainability: to use materials that need minimal maintenance as well as keeping pre-existing trees and plants inside the lot

Users:

The project is located in point connecting four high-density neighborhoods. Its users variate from kids and toddlers, to elders. The specific needs of each generation should be taking into account in differents aspects.

Water system: 

Water recollection should be a must taking on account the variability of rain during the year. Could this be a feature rather that mere recollection? During rain months , the project should be capable of holding water that will later be used during drought periods.

"En Guadalajara, la temporada de lluvia es nublada, la temporada seca es parcialmente nublada y es caliente durante todo el año. Durante el transcurso del año, la temperatura generalmente varía de 5 °C a 32 °C y rara vez baja a menos de 1 °C o sube a más de 34 °C".

Google translation: "In Guadalajara, the wet season is overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is hot year-round. During the course of the year, the temperature generally ranges from 5°C to 32°C, rarely dropping below 1°C or rises above 34°C."

(2)

About the sun path, it is necessary to understand how the light varies between the months of summer and the months of winter. The best location for planting beds comes from this analysis. According to the sun path, it should be South.

Biodiversity: 

"La vegetación de Jalisco es diferente en cada uno de los ecosistemas. En términos generales, a lo largo de este estado mexicano, predominan los bosques de coníferas y de encinas, así como las selvas. 

[...] 

En el clima templado destacan los pinos (entre ellos ocotes), abetos, helechos y abedules. También los nanches, muy importantes en silvicultura y en ecología por su rápido crecimiento y adaptabilidad a gran variedad de condiciones climáticas."

Google translation: 

"Jalisco's vegetation is different in each of the ecosystems. In general terms, throughout this Mexican state, coniferous and holm oak forests, as well as jungles, predominate.

[...]

In the temperate climate, pine trees (among them ocotes), fir trees, ferns and birches stand out. Also the nanches, very important in forestry and ecology for their rapid growth and adaptability to a wide variety of climatic conditions."

 (1)

According to the previous text, Jalisco has a set of different ecosystems, focusing on Guadalajara, we will find pines, ferns, and other plants that are good for weather adaptation.

Choosing plants and trees that are local not only will save resources but also will maximize the opportunity for this vegetation to survive, thrive, and become a small ecosystem sheltering other local species.

● What was the concept behind the project?

The project considers the organic paths and merges with features of a patio

● What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels (Architectural, Site, Urban)?

To connect and integrate many of the users' needs into one site. Architecturally it should have the elements to provide for its community. The site must be not only an ecosystem but one that variates throughout the seasons. The urban aspect of it is that it has urban equipment and areas without leaving aside the idea of a green lung for the area.

● How many iterations were tried to arrive at the final outcome?

Several. After maybe three or four, I realized that a constant was the paths that would possibly be created with people walking through the park so from that, I worked to make that more organic and to be careful not to cut down any tree.

● Which methods of design investigation?

Site analysis mostly. Context and needs. What solution solves what problem. Each solution ended up being a part of the program.

● How was the programme condensed into final?

Children's playground: surrounded by trees and hills that offer protection to children and discourage them from running to the street. 

Esplanade: for special events, street commerce, walk by, etc. It is the main focal point visible from the street.

Outdoor fitness: many people who wish to exercise will benefit from this outdoor area, available to the public all year, 24/7.

Public Market: local products and businesses could take place there for a permanent or impermanent time. Tables in the market serve not only these stores but anyone who needs an area to eat, perhaps on a work break.

Patio: a place for sitting down and enjoy the surrounding nature, can become an outdoor eatery during the summer hosting picnics, events, extra seating spaces, etc.

Gardening beds: for the community to use and consume, perhaps sold in the farmers' market.

Water body: to store rain water, filter it and eventually use to water the park. It evolves during the seasons allowing different uses.

● What/How were the materials chosen?

The materials were chosen thinking about aesthetics but even more about their durability, their ability to talk to its surrounding neighborhoods and also they are materials that will require the least amount of maintenance. 

Even though light is not a material, in this project I have considered it an important part of it. Taking into consideration that light helps reduce the levels of crime, several lamps were added to the project. A specific design was created to bring dynamism to the design.

Light and Criminality

● How was a specific objective attempted to be met?

It not only meets its main purpose -to store rain water- but it also adds a new objective, to evolve during the rain and drought seasons by adding steps and a flat bottom to it.

● What is the expansion plan of the project?

Although this park can't expand anymore without taking residential space, its formula can be adapted, with variations or not, to other empty lots in the city to create more greenery. 

● How will the project transform with the passing time? etc.

Greenery will grow and find a balance, certain  species will overgrow some others and hopefully, other species, like squirrels and birds will make a home of it. Socially, it should become a place for reunion and activities that enhance the sense of community.