Historic centers amid politics, urban planning and restoration

Resumen

Abstract Aware of the futility of working to preserve the old if we do not look for alternatives to the frenetic “consumption” of Spanish historical centers, F. Chueca Goitia turns his attention to the suburbs and their social life. He, therefore, questions the relationship between the historical center, the suburbs and the territory, calling for a policy of regional rebalancing supported by the public sector with appropriate legislative and financial instruments. The position of C. Flores Marini is less oriented toward denouncing. Still, he is equally aware of the profound value of monuments that, including colonial ones, have given character to the very physiognomy of Mexico. He dwells on the theme of the modern use of monuments, denouncing the risks to heritage, presented by a push toward “modernization” and economic development. He extends his reasoning to the urban environment. He notes how the harmony of the ancient cities does not depend on the exceptional quality of individual artifacts but has a “choral” character linked to the nature of the built fabric. He recognizes the important task, undoubtedly onerous, of political persuasion and awareness of the ruling classes. Both authors emphasize the importance of the active participation of the citizens, to whom good protection must give a social benefit in return, and that of training to raise the professional level of architects.