Publications
Day and Night. Activities by and for the Children from El Refugio in Ancient Neighbourhoods of the Historic Centre of Puebla
Children from the historic district El Refugio in Puebla, Mexico, demonstrate remarkable autonomy and spatial appropriation by transforming streets into their own safe spaces. This study reveals that they navigate neighborhoods like San Antonio and Santa Anita with deep local knowledge, creating informal safety networks independent of adult supervision. The research combines ethnographic observation with participatory activities led by Re Genera Espacio (RGE) and BUAP, focusing on how children's daily routines—both day and night—reflect cultural practices and environmental interactions. Findings highlight the importance of understanding these dynamics to foster autonomous attitudes in urban settings.
El refugio cultural festival, graffiti and urban art in the historic centre of Puebla in Mexico
The 'El Refugio Cultural Festival' in Puebla, Mexico, has transformed the historic Barrio el Refugio into a dynamic space for urban art, producing over 1,000 pieces of graffiti and murals—including Wild Style graffiti, bombs, stickers, stencils—in ten years. Despite its UNESCO-listed heritage, the neighborhood faced stigma as a 'den of thieves.' The festival, driven by local artists without government support, challenges this narrative while contributing to Puebla's broader 'Puebla Ciudad Mural' initiative, though its impact remains more tourist-oriented than community-driven.
Programas Integrales Urbano-Sociales PIUS y Casa Analco FABUAP. Dos proyectos en la periferia y el centro de la ciudad en búsqueda de la participación ciudadana
Participatory urban and architectural projects can effectively engage communities, even in historically underrepresented areas. This study demonstrates that through tailored processes involving local stakeholders, universities, and government agencies, meaningful citizen participation becomes feasible. Two cases from Puebla, Mexico—one addressing extreme poverty in peripheral areas (PIUS) and the other focusing on heritage conservation in a 16th-century neighborhood (Casa Analco)—highlight adaptable frameworks for organization, promotion, awareness, knowledge sharing, time management, evaluation, and adaptability. These experiences provide actionable insights for urban regeneration initiatives worldwide, emphasizing that successful participation requires flexibility and deep community integration.
Preservation of Company Towns in Mexico
Company towns in Mexico, such as La Constancia Mexicana in Puebla, face significant preservation challenges due to urban expansion and modern development. These historic sites, which once housed entire communities with work, housing, and stores, are at risk of being lost or altered by new social housing projects and private developments. The study highlights the need for cultural sustainability, suggesting that converting historic buildings into museums or interpretive centers can raise historical awareness and contribute to the preservation of architectural heritage. By analyzing the taxonomic classification of these towns' architectural characteristics, researchers aim to advance sustainable city planning and develop cultural identity while recognizing significant industrial heritage facts.
The Cinco de Mayo: Death, Democracy, and Resistance in Mexican Museums
Government-led efforts to commemorate the Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo have successfully framed historic suffering as a narrative of civic democracy and inclusion, reinforcing state authority while shaping national memory. The study examines how Puebla's investment in new museums and tourist infrastructure over five years transformed key heritage precincts into symbols of resistance and unity. By analyzing six central museums, the research reveals a strategic co-optation of multiple historical narratives to bolster government legitimacy, highlighting both the power and risks of state-curated memory in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Gentrification, neoliberalism and loss in Puebla, Mexico
Gentrification in Puebla, Mexico, has been accelerated by neoliberal policies, transforming the historic center into a corporate-driven cultural and tourist hub while displacing local communities. The study highlights how state-backed real estate speculation, exemplified by the Paseo project, prioritizes corporate interests over preserving ethnic identity and heritage. This shift reflects broader trends of urban transformation under neoliberalism, where economic growth is pursued at the expense of social equity.
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