Born from volcanic rock Jardines del Pedregal is a unique neighborhood. It sits in southern Mexico City. Imagine a landscape sculpted by nature. Then transformed by human ingenuity. This is the story of Jardines del Pedregal.
The eruption of the Xitle volcano around 1700 years ago created the Pedregal lava fields. For centuries this area was considered dangerous and wild. It was a haven for bandits and wildlife. Then came the vision of Diego Rivera.
Rivera saw the beauty in the rugged landscape. He envisioned a residential development. One that blended architecture and nature. He wrote the “Requirements for the Organization of Pedregal”. This document highlighted the area’s unique climate and geological advantages. It attracted the attention of leading architects and artists. Among them was Luis Barragán.
Barragán along with other notable figures like Max Cetto began to shape Jardines del Pedregal. The project aimed to create harmony between buildings and the landscape. The first structures were Plaza de las Fuentes and demonstration houses. These served as models for future development.
Large plots of land were sold. Each one hectare. Building was limited to 16% of the surface area. The lava beds were treated with respect. They were an integral part of the landscape. The architects created stunning houses. Many of these are considered part of Mexico’s national patrimony.
The Plaza de las Fuentes once the main entrance is mostly gone now. Only the Animal del Pedregal a sculpture by Mathias Goeritz remains. It is inspired by prehistoric animals found in the area. Despite the changes some original modernist houses endure. Others have been converted into schools or condominiums.
Jardines del Pedregal is more than just a residential area. It’s a testament to visionary planning. It’s a place where nature and architecture coexist beautifully. It is a unique neighborhood. A legacy of Mexican modernism. A place where the past speaks to the present. And the future is yet to be written.