La Duna Skatepark and Communal Centre: A Blend of Recreation and Community in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Architects: Eduardo Peón, Elías Group, Oficina de Vinculación UNAM, Valia Wright
Year: 2020
Revitalizing Ciudad Juárez through Urban Transformation
Urban Improvement Program Spurs Development
In 2019, Ciudad Juarez found itself on the canvas of change as the Mexican Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development, under the Urban Improvement Program, earmarked it as one of sixteen cities for the creation of public spaces. The goal was clear – to uplift marginalized neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents. In the Tierra Nueva neighborhood, a housing area provided by the state and home to a migrant community seeking employment in local industries, the transformation unfolded. At the heart of this metamorphosis lies Parque Oriente, a municipal park that transcends its role, becoming a focal point for sports, recreation, family bonding, and communion with nature.
Parque Oriente: A Hub of Community Engagement
A Playground for Thousands
Parque Oriente, situated in an area characterized by high marginalization to the east of Ciudad Juarez, emerges as a vibrant hub attracting over 5000 visitors. It has become a magnet for children, teenagers, and young adults from adjacent neighborhoods, offering a haven for fun and physical activity. The park, through its various facilities, addresses the diverse needs of the community, making it a crucial space for social interaction and well-being.
Skating Culture Takes Center Stage
In the park’s northern section, initially designated for arts education and a neighborhood garden, a collaborative effort led by the School of Architecture of the National Autonomous University of Mexico envisioned a space dedicated to contemplation and interaction across generations. Recognizing the burgeoning interest in skating among the city’s youth, the team decided to carve out a niche for outdoor recreational and sports activities, with a primary focus on skating.
La Duna Skatepark and Communal Centre: A Tribute to Nature and Heritage
Architectural Visionaries Unite
Landscape architects Valia Wright and Eduardo Peón, alongside architect Francisco Elías, spearheaded the project. Together with urban planners and sociologists, their mission was twofold – to forge a deep connection between the park section and the surrounding neighborhood and to pay homage to the natural legacy of the Chihuahua desert.
Inspired by the Chihuahua Desert Landscape
Drawing inspiration from the Chihuahua desert, specifically the Samalayuca dunes, the architects conceptualized a continuous structure melding a skating rink, an administration building, and classrooms for workshops. Mimicking the organic flow of the desert landscape, the design echoes the undulating form of the dunes, creating a seamless blend with its natural surroundings.
A Cave-Like Oasis of Community Engagement
The building takes on the semblance of a cave, seamlessly connecting the covered square and the skating rink. A protective portico houses essential services – an office and three classrooms overlooking a lake, offering a multifunctional space. A viewpoint on the upper floor doubles as an observatory, enhancing the connection with the skating rink. Architectural elements, including a cylindrical bathroom module, pay homage to the nomadic architecture of the region, while the triple-column modules in the portico nod to the urban landscape of Ciudad Juárez in the 50s and 60s.
Integration with the Park Landscape
To ensure seamless integration, a bike lane extension was constructed around the skating rink, connecting it to the larger park and parking areas. The material choice, high-tech concrete, not only delivers a smooth and continuous surface but also harmonizes with the desert sand, embodying the essence of Ciudad Juárez.
A Recreational Oasis that Echoes Ciudad Juárez’s Spirit
La Duna Skatepark and Communal Centre stands as more than a skating facility; it is a testament to urban revitalization, community engagement, and a harmonious blend of architecture with natural and cultural heritage. As Ciudad Juárez continues to evolve, this project represents a beacon of recreational delight and communal spirit, inviting residents of all ages to partake in the joy of outdoor activities within a carefully crafted architectural marvel.
