Batanes Ecological Park
Situated on Lerma river’s edge outside the city, this ecological park was conceived to regenerate a public and natural space next to the Batanes bridge, a historic structure located in the municipality of Salvatierra, within the central Mexican state of Guanajuato.
The bridge's history dates from the 17th century, built by Friar Andrés de San Miguel from Discalced Carmelite order, marking the entrance to the fertile Huatzindeo valley. Overtime, fast urban growth displaced agricultural soil, fostering speculation and vandalism.
As response to this, the local government commissioned the project to recover the site beneath the bridge, transforming it into a public space that preserves the interaction between the built heritage and the natural environment.
The design approach contemplated punctual interventions: the entrance becomes a threshold formed by the restoration and consolidation of an existing old house, while a new concrete structure -which subtly integrates with the ruins-, houses the ticket booth and a viewing ramp formed by stone walls, leading to the park.
The renovation project covers 26,300 square-meters area and is organized into three large-scale platforms that descend towards the bridge’s base, which remains as focal point. These platforms had a multi-function purpose, promoting social and community events, with paths weaving through the site.
For the service and dining pavilions, lightweight wooden structures were used, composed of double “T” beams and columns. The gastronomic area was designed to be dynamic, providing dynamic spaces for various cultural and recreational activities.
Local materials and construction systems were used, such as wood and stone, with traditional masonry techniques which allowed to maintain a respectful architectural language with the historic structures. In terms of landscape design, a variety of tree species and wild grasses were contemplated, contributing to the restoration of orchards, to preserve and regenerate the natural environment.
