Villahermosa´s boardwalk
Get to know the Villahermosa´s boardwalk by Taller | Mauricio Rocha, TaAU, and Alejandro Castro, a project that reconnects the river and nature with the community, revaluing the natural and urban environment.
Starting from an urban and practical identity, the all-encompassing urban intervention of the Villahermosa Boardwalk aimed to restore the connection between the population and the natural environment of the Grijalva River, which had been lost over time and has been key to the socio-cultural and economic development of the city of Villahermosa.
In 2007, the Grijalva River rose above its normal high-water levels, flooding two-thirds of the city of Villahermosa for nearly 40 days. This led to the construction of a containment wall along the riverbanks, which initially served as a functional solution but over time caused the relationship between the natural environment and the city’s inhabitants to deteriorate. The separation created by the wall distanced citizens from a space that became hostile and desolate. This brought about ecological, security, and urban integration problems.
Vista del andador / View of pedestrian walkway
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
With a length of 5.3 linear kilometers on both sides of the river, the urban and architectural proposal of the Villahermosa Boardwalk emerged to re-establish the connection between the river and its inhabitants without altering the watercourse or risking the population. Its creation enhances the value of both the natural environment and the surrounding urban area.
Axonométrico zona de restaurantes / Axonometric restaurant area
Ilustración / Ilustration: Taller | Mauricio Rocha, TaAU y Alejandro Castro
The intervention was governed by a master plan driven by SEDATU, which recognizes both the soil and natural flows, as well as the topography of the area. Furthermore, it was integrated and adapted to the morphology and geometry of the site. This project included the creation of a pedestrian walkway that offers panoramic views so that residents can once again enjoy the river. Additionally, various recreational and sports areas were created such as baseball fields, basketball courts, soccer fields, a skatepark, playgrounds, leisure areas with pavilions, three restaurant buildings, and kiosks whose design harmoniously integrates with the natural landscape. Similarly, work was done on the rehabilitation of docks and piers to ensure accessibility and connection to the river.
Vista aérea campos de béisbol / Baseball fields aerial view
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
The project included sidewalk renovation, the creation of safe pedestrian crossings in vehicular areas, as well as the improvement of street vegetation to provide shade. A new lighting project was implemented to improve mobility and provide greater security for pedestrians. A cycle lane, previously absent on the main avenues of Villahermosa, was created, promoting non-motorized mobility which is a significant environmental benefit. Additionally, a signage project was carried out to interconnect the entire area. The public space was also transformed into an inclusive environment: access ramps were created and various types of pavement were used.
Vista aérea mostrando vegetación nativa y área de restaurante / Aerial view showing native vegetation and restaurant area
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
The intervention also includes a restoration effort of over 125,000 square meters along the riverbank. This space was reforested with low-maintenance native vegetation and equipped with playgrounds, benches, tables, contemplative areas, pedestrian walkways, public lighting, and parks designed to coexist with the river, even when it rises. These areas were conceived as spaces that can flood during one season of the year and then resurface for residents to enjoy and explore again. Additionally, the vegetation helps regulate the temperature and provides an input of organic matter into the river.
The riverbank was reforested with low-maintenance native vegetation and equipped with playgrounds, benches, tables, contemplative areas, pedestrian walkways, public lighting, and parks designed to coexist with the river, even when it rises.
The realization of this project involved significant infrastructure challenges: public lighting was redesigned, the potable water network was renovated, and both the stormwater and sanitary sewer systems were upgraded. Additionally, a new drainage network was created to improve water management. Similarly, underground electrical wiring was installed to mitigate environmental risks, providing increased durability without interfering with the landscape.
Juegos infantiles / Playground
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
The cultural area was completely rehabilitated: it includes the Esperanza Iris Theater, the José María Pino Suárez Library, and the Carlos Pellicer Regional Anthropology Museum; the façade of the latter was intervened with a piece by the artist Carlos Pellicer. Additionally, both areas have programs of activities that keep the space lively and have helped reactivate local businesses. The gastronomic, cultural, and sports offerings generate new jobs, attract national and international tourism, and undoubtedly have a positive impact not only on the pedestrian walkway, its squares, and establishments, but also on the surrounding areas, nearby businesses, and the city of Villahermosa as a whole.
Zona recreativa / Recreational area
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
The project aimed for architecture that withstands the test of time, allowing an understanding of the cultural and human logic of its inhabitants, their uses, and customs, while being sensitive to its surroundings. Creating architecture that is elegant and creatively constructed in an intellectual and contemporary manner becomes a complex articulation that enhances, emphasizes, and dignifies the most important elements: nature and the city.
Malecón de Villahermosa / Villahermosa´s boardwalk
Fotografía / Photography: Ana Paula Álvarez, Aldo Belenda
