Introduction to the Utopias Project
Clara Brugada Molina, the Head of Government for Mexico City, has invited citizens, political actors, social activists, academics, and others to contribute to the development of 16 Utopias projects across the capital. These initiatives aim to transform public spaces and bring numerous benefits to the population, with a total investment of 300 million pesos for interventions in 760,000 square meters.
Background on Clara Brugada Molina
Clara Brugada Molina is the current Head of Government for Mexico City, a position equivalent to mayor. As a prominent political figure, she has been actively involved in shaping the city’s policies and initiatives. Her call for public participation in the Utopias project highlights her commitment to inclusive and community-driven urban development.
Key Details of the Utopias Project
- The project aims to create 16 Utopias, one for each of the city’s 16 boroughs.
- An investment of 300 million pesos will be allocated for the transformation of 760,000 square meters of public spaces.
- The Utopias will offer free activities, infrastructure for sports, culture, recreation, health, well-being, and care, all in one location.
Importance of Public Participation
Brugada Molina emphasized the significance of public involvement in shaping these Utopias, stating that they should result from a comprehensive process of citizen participation. She outlined the following aspects to consider:
- Incorporating ideas, proposals, methodologies, and causes for what the Utopias should be.
- Engaging in a public call for proposals to suggest locations, activities, and ideas through social media.
- Ensuring that Utopias are the result of extensive planning, community meetings, forums, and sufficient information sharing.
Current Progress and Future Utopias
Seven Utopias are currently under construction, including:
- Azcapotzalco: A 297,777 square-meter space with a robotics school.
- Utopía de las Niñas y los Niños (Iztacalco): A 120,900 square-meter area for technology and recreational activities.
- Tlalpan: Utopía del Maíz (Corn Utopia) with 44,350 square meters.
- Utopía del Cetram Acatitla (Iztapalapa): A 45,429 square-meter site featuring a pump track and a youth village.
- Complejo Eduardo Molina (Venustiano Carranza): A 58,526 square-meter project with a sensory laboratory.
- Utopía Oyamel (La Magdalena Contreras): Over 21,000 square meters with a theatrical black box.
- Gustavo A. Madero: The largest Utopia at 228,989 square meters, featuring a “Galactic Adventure” project.
Additional Utopias set to begin construction soon include:
- El Parián (Coyoacán): Aiming to be a tourism-focused Utopia.
- Milpa Alta: Including a large traditional games fair.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Utopias? Utopias are successful projects that bring profound urban and social regeneration, addressing various inequalities and offering multiple benefits to the population.
- How can citizens participate? Citizens can propose locations, activities, and ideas for Utopias through a public call for proposals, which will be shared via social media.
- How many Utopias are being built? Sixteen Utopias will be constructed, one for each of Mexico City’s boroughs.
- What facilities will the Utopias offer? The Utopias will provide free activities, sports infrastructure, cultural facilities, recreational spaces, health services, well-being amenities, and care in a single location.
