Nonoalco Tlatelolco: A Human Experience

Abstract

The work carried out by the Tlatelolco Democratic Reconstruction Program included the demolition of eight buildings, the reconstruction in structure and foundation of 32 buildings, and the renovation of the finishings in 60 others, all out of 102 residential buildings. Such work, for its logistic complexity and magnitude, represents an exceptional work in the annals of the construction industry. It constitutes a synthesis of knowledge and experience in seismic engineering matter, structural design, and adaptation of construction techniques, among other disciplines used for the service of society, for its security and protection. This work was performed with part of the population occupying their apartments, while the rest of the residents were housed outside the urban unit, so the level of difficulty in the project's execution reached exceptional levels. It was necessary to establish actions of democratic harmony among the Tlatelolco residents and the reconstruction authorities, proving that there is no way other than a civilized understanding and democratic agreements, to reach success in all work being done in our world, which grows more complex and fallacious day by day. The Nonoalco Tlatelolco work has been called “a work of giants.”