A Case Study in Preservation and Sustainability
Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento
Comparative Analysis
Across the plaza from the Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento is another massive, stately building, the Monte de Piedad. This centuries-old institution is a non-profit social services foundation that operates a pawn shop with low-to-no-interest loans for people in need of financial help. In addition to operating the shop, the Monte de Piedad also funds an extensive on-site training school for students interested in learning how to value jewelry. Graduates of the school can go on to be employed in the pawnshop as part of the foundation’s mission to provide safe loans, career training, and job opportunities.
In addition to their multifaceted social services, the Monte de Piedad is currently under renovation to both preserve their architecture while achieving LEED certification. Thanks to the team at Revitaliza Consultores, we were able to receive an inspiring private tour of the Monte from its head conservator, Abby Valenzuela Rivera. The parallels between the Monte de Piedad and the Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento made it a great opportunity for a comparative analysis of key elements of both buildings.
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A special thanks to the exciting and insightful Abby Rivera, who gave us an entirely new understanding of the city center.
Function
Palacio: Government-owned and operated. Used as the mayoral seat as well as hosting rotating government services like job placement centers. Additionally used as a receiving hall for foreign dignitaries.
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Monte: Family-owned and foundation-operated. Passed down through multiple generations of owners to remain in the family. Run by an internal Board of Directors. Used as a pawn shop, social service station, and jewelry valuation school.
Preservation
Palacio: The Palacio was built in 1523 and had undergone violent protests and a devastating fire. In addition, it was built on top of the ancient mesoamerican ruins that are buried underneath the historic center of Mexico City. Architects avoided digging at all costs. Preservation initiatives included maintaining the core architectural structure, as well as all finishes they could salvage. Things were kept in their place and there were no additions made.
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Monte: A collection of what was originally 12 separate buildings, the Monte was gradually pulled together into one semi-cohesive space, but still shows signs of its past with varying floor heights, surfaces, and odd connections. It's built on top of the same area of ancient mesoamerican ruins as the Palacio. Construction workers dug once and immediately found a stone carving of Quetzalcoatl, which led to an almost year-long archeological excavation right off of one of their main inner courtyards. Renovations soon uncovered that there was almost no existing foundation, forcing them to redo their base structure while repurposing as much of the original elements as they could. Old joists were repurposed to become exposed ceiling beams and floorboards were built into intricate doors. The building dictated the extent to which its own original structure could be preserved, so conservationists actively tried to re-imbue as much of the old as they could into the new.
Sustainability
Palacio: The Palacio’s approach to sustainability-focused a lot on existing architectural benefits such as the high ceilings, grand central stair, and many terraces. Additional upgrades were made to minimize the need for modern technology.
Monte: Due to the nature of the building and discoveries during the renovation, the Monte de Piedad was forced to include more modern technology to assist sustainability. This includes timed light systems and integrated smart HVAC. At the same time, they made use of traditional building techniques like interior courtyards as well as diverted a lot of their waste production by repurposing their materials.
Symbolism
Palacio: The Palacio has become a political platform for sustainability initiatives announced by the city’s government. In addition to its historical significance, the building now symbolizes the advancement of Mexico.
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Monte: The Monte is an outreach center for people in need of help in the city. Their attention to detail like the comfort and safety of their clientele signifies to people who are struggling the most that they belong and are a welcome part of the history and majesty of Mexico.
