Publications
From Ejido to Ciudad Universitaria: Expropriation and Citizenship in Postrevolutionary Mexico
A significant displacement of ejidatarios and their struggle for legal compensation during the expropriation of four ejidos for the construction of Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM's campus, revealed that the process not only resulted in physical relocation but also stripped these communities of their recently expanded citizenship rights within Mexico's corporatist system. The study, which analyzed written appeals from displaced individuals alongside archival documents, demonstrates how these ejidatarios persisted in asserting their postrevolutionary citizenship and agrarian ideals despite the state's shift toward urbanization and modernization in mid-20th century Mexico.
Tlacuaches y basura cero en Ciudad Universitaria
A significant challenge to wildlife conservation at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) has been identified: tlacuaches, or common opossums (Didelphis virginiana), are being trapped and dying inside deep, smooth-walled waste containers while scavenging for food in Ciudad Universitaria. Despite efforts to promote zero-waste practices since 2013, this issue remains largely unknown to the university community. The study proposes practical solutions to rescue trapped tlacuaches, aiming to mitigate their mortality and contribute to the conservation of this understudied species. By addressing this overlooked problem, the research highlights the unintended consequences of urban waste management on local fauna in UNESCO-listed sites.
La conservación patrimonial de un espacio verde: la explanada de Las Islas en el campus central de la Ciudad Universitaria de la UNAM
The central expanse known as 'Las Islas' within the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) campus, despite its prominence and UNESCO World Heritage status, lacks clear identity. This study reveals that vegetation was intentionally integrated into the design from its inception, serving an aesthetic purpose rather than purely functional one. It also highlights challenges in interpreting this space correctly. Recommendations for conservation are provided to preserve its unique attributes as part of the broader university heritage.
Configuración espacial, vitalidad urbana y riesgo de robo: el caso de la Ciudad Universitaria de la UNAM
Research on the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Campus reveals that while certain spatial network characteristics contribute to theft risk, the primary factors influencing security are morpho-spatial elements tied to functions, activities, and human presence. The study analyzed four areas of the campus using spatial syntax methodology, comparing its unique urban design—rooted in modernist ideologies—to conventional city layouts. Findings suggest that vibrant, well-used spaces with diverse activities significantly reduce theft incidents, highlighting the importance of functional design in urban security.
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