Community Catalyst: Architectural Rehabilitation of the Alianza Market

Abstract

This thesis represents a speculation for the improvement of the Alianza Market located in the city of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. Torreon is part of a tri-city entity with a population of 1.2 million residents. The Alianza market was the first marketplace in the city, founded about 100 years ago. The site is located in an area with a high level of poverty across the entire district. Due to corruption and negligence on the part of the government, the social and economic standing of the market has suffered a tremendous decline in the past 30 years. Through the careful study of the existing site, this thesis proposes the reorganization of the market to improve its spatial qualities. The market represents the social and economic heart of its community which is kept alive solely by its members. By proposing the design of a public open square within the market site I intend to provide a space for the celebration of public life. Reviving the market will help to create economic life as well as improve street level life in the surrounding community.