ARCH IX: Thesis - Professor Lia Dikigoropoulou - Christopher Mancia - Site Investigation
Site Location: Parque Centenario, Zona 1, Ciudad de Guatemala
Site Coordinates: 14.641984, -90.514381
Site Synthesis: Economic development in areas outside of the historical city center has pushed local residents to search for financial stability externally. This has created an issue where the historical city center has become socially inactive, leading to poverty, homelessness, and crime coming to the forefront. As part of this thesis, we look to propose activation of Parque Centenario through the creation of a new cultural center expressing the city's arts, heritage, and ecology.
Main Plazas
Site A - Parque Central - Historical Independence Plaza - Utilized for Parades, Demonstrations and Gatherings
Site B - Parque Centenario - Constructed in Commemoration of the 100th Year of Guatemala's Independence. Palace Located in the Park Fell During the Earthquakes of 1917 and 1918
Site History - Context
As a result of the 1917-18 Earthquakes, only a few of the historical buildings remain, most notably the National Palace (Labeled A) and the Cathedral (Labeled B). The most recent addition to the area is the 6th Avenue Arcade and Gallery (Labeled C) opened in 2022. The Acoustical Shell (Labeled D) is the Area's Concert Stage. It is only open to the public when a concert is occuring
Site - Culture
Adjacent to the Cathedral, we find the most prominent cultural space for the area, the Central Market (Labeled A). The Central Market is a protected space for gathering, dining, and purchasing of local produce. Within this market we find two separated spaces for the purchase of goods and the dining hall. The Commercial Arcade (Labeled B) provides a connection between the commercial strip along 6th Avenue and the Central Market.
Site - Architecture
Between the 1960s and 80s, Guatemala City underwent a period of modernism within the historical center. The National Library (Labeled A) proposed a visual connection between Art and Architecture along Parque Centenario. Across the City we saw the development of modernist Housing Blocks, like the Elma Building (B) and Government Buildings such as the Military Pension Institute (Labeled C)
Site - Circulation
Access to the Site Occurs Most Prominently at 6th Avenue, Within Horizontal Circulation Across 6th and 8th Streets. Along 6th Avenue, there is a Commercial Strip where many residents dine and shop. This avenue is also used for celebrations during annual holidays such as Independence Day. The west side of Parque Centenario is avoided by residents due to its inactivity, providing a clear division of the site.
Site - Infill Programs
As part of the proposed arts and heritage center, it is apparent that infilling programs will allow for an activation of the west side of Parque Centenario. Recognizing the connections to the Acoustical Shell and the National Library can allow for a unified urban plan and redefine the image of the park itself.
Site - Access Paths
In addition to the activation of the West Side of the Park, the New Infill Structures can utilize existing sight lines within the Park as means for circulation. This intent of this project is to respect the historical presence of the site while providing residents with new spaces that allow for personal and communal advancement.
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