La Isla

Can you imagine a vast green space in the middle of a bustling city? Right here, at La Isla, in the heart of UNAM’s Ciudad Universitaria, you’ll find just that. La Isla, originally called the Campus Central or Gran Plaza, wasn’t always an island. It started as a vision, a blank rectangle on the 1952 campus plan. Architects Mario Pani and Enrique del Moral envisioned it as the heart of the university, a place for students to gather and connect. Today, La Isla thrives as a vibrant green expanse. The name “La Isla,” meaning “The Island,” is a nickname given by students. According to researcher Juan Benito Artigas, the name stems from the four man-made mounds scattered across the expanse. These mounds, each uniquely shaped and sized, were designed to break up the vastness and offer intimate spaces. They were originally planted with different tree species: jacarandas, ashes, and elms. The variety of trees created a stunning visual contrast. They also provided shade and visual interest in this vast, open area. Over time, La Isla’s landscaping has evolved. Some original trees succumbed to pests or harsh weather, replaced by a mix of species. The original design featured a pavement of volcanic rock interspersed with grass. The grass was meant to grow in the joints between the stones, a subtle touch of green. However, the grass thrived, eventually carpeting the entire area in the verdant expanse you see today. La Isla isn’t just a beautiful space. It’s a living record of student life and activism. It’s where protests took place during the student movements of 1968, hosting assemblies, meetings, and concerts. During the 1999-2000 student strike, both the rector and the student strike council held rallies here, a testament to its central role in university life. La Isla has also hosted cultural and scientific festivals. It has provided a platform for political discourse, including a 2017 rally for an indigenous political candidate. Today, La Isla stands as a testament to the ever-evolving story of UNAM. It is a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a peaceful respite in the midst of a vibrant city. It is a reminder of the power of shared spaces to connect people, inspire action, and foster a sense of community.