Exactly one year ago, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake shook at least nine Mexican states, leaving several areas severely damaged across Mexico City, Puebla, Morelos, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Guerrero, and the State of Mexico. Twelve months have passed in a constant struggle to rebuild from the remnants of that nightmare. Yet in those flooded streets, hope was reborn day by day through a social phenomenon that catalyzed vibrant, self-organizing communities rising to rebuild the structures that define us.
Undeniably, 19S represented a pivotal moment, reminding us of our fragility but also of how strong we can be when we work together. It underscored the importance of being physically present on the ground and engaging in dialogue to find appropriate solutions for local communities. It forced us to rethink the mechanics of cities and their peripheries, but above all, it forced us to rethink our practice as architects. We gained a stark understanding of how national politics and power operate; a genuine critique emerged, exposing the fractures left by corruption and our lack of preparation for natural disasters. 19S was, among many other things, a reminder of where we stand and our duty as inhabitants of this territory.
