Widening the floodplain will slow water flow, increase infiltration, and groundwater—ultimately serving the siphons that the city relies on its water supply and agricultural irrigation.

Based on community feedback, we’ve introduced a memorial park, expanded the cemetery, and added a soccer field. New agricultural plots, reforestation, mitigation berms, and pedestrian trails will serve as buffers for residential areas. Additionally, the municipal market’s relocation and expansion will improve circulation and foot traffic.

The existing road along the Rio Blanco edge will be improved with street trees and bump outs for bus stops. New housing blocks facing the street will have ample lot sizes to facilitate incorporation of first-floor commercial units. Overall, the street acts as a strong north-south connection to the existing historic core and provides access to community spaces and commercial activity, like the municipal market.

The Jimaní Agricultural Park, at the northern edge, marks the end of the siphon canal system. Agricultural plots will be converted into agro-botanical lots with native plants. Westward, the area transitions to wetlands with winding trails that offer views of Lake Azuei and connect to the urban trail system.

The western edges feature public services centered around university/institutional programs and green spaces. Linear parks, agricultural fields, playgrounds, and sports fields create a patchwork of programs for the community while promoting sustainability and green initiatives.

The university and its satellite buildings are key stewards on the western edge, managing ecological services and offering essential facilities such as classrooms, sports complexes, and urban greenspaces.

Acknowledging the need for a phased approach to densification, initial residential development will occur along the edge, while existing lots gradually infill. Plot owners will have the flexibility to densify their properties with additional stories as development evolves.

The continued expansion would extend the shared green space typology across the entire block, linking smaller gathering spaces within the block that are adjacent to the green corridor.

The residential area features two primary typologies: low to medium-density housing and mixed-use blocks with integrated commercial services. As the population grows and housing density increases, these mixed-use blocks will serve as residential hubs, offering important services like grocery stores, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

The design of the residential blocks includes a series of shared greenspaces between the lots. These spaces are intended for communal gardening and food cultivation, while providing an alternative, semi-private pedestrian pathway through the block. Each greenspace ends at the green edge and urban trail.

The reorganization of the binational market enhances safety and reduces congestion by separating traffic and creating distinct zones.

Greater flexibility and efficiency is achieved by utilizing the public space for logistics on days when the market is not in operation.

The introduction of separate pathways for buyers and sellers improves circulation and safety within the market.