Space and Place in the Mexican Landscape: The Evolution of a Colonial City (Studies in Architecture and Culture)

Metaphysical conceptions have always influenced how human societies create the built environment. Mexico—with its rich culture, full of symbol and myth, its beautiful cities, and its evocative ruins—is an excellent place to study the interplay of influences on space and place. In this volume, the authors consider the ideas and views that give the constructed spaces and buildings of Mexico—especially, of Querétaro—their particular ambience. They explore the ways the built world helps people find meaning and establish order for their earthly existence by mirroring their metaphysical assumptions, and they guide readers through time to see how the transformation of worldviews affects the urban evolution of a Mexican city.

The authors, then, construct a “metaphysical archeology” of space and place in the built landscape of Mexico. In the process, they identify the intangible, spiritual aspects of this land.

Not only scholars of architecture, but also archeologists and anthropologists—particularly those interested in Mexican backgrounds and culture—will appreciate the authors’ approach and conclusions.

FERNANDO NÚñEZ holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.CARLOS ARVIZU completed his doctorate in urban planning at the Sorbonne in Paris.RAMÓN ABONCE’s Ph.D. in urban geography was awarded by the University of Laval, Quebec.