Revitalizing Adolf Horn Avenue: A Model for Green Urban Design

Adolf Horn Avenue, located in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, was originally built to address the need for improved connectivity between different departments within the Tlajomulco de Zuñiga city. However, over time, the central space of the avenue was neglected and turned into a barren wasteland. Recognizing the need for urban revitalization and optimization of road communication, a bold urban remodeling project was initiated.

Initially, the government proposed the creation of a linear park along the avenue. However, the project went beyond that and aimed to incorporate more green areas into the public spaces. One major challenge encountered was the budgetary constraints, as the project required the construction of a main sewer system to address the issue of flooding during the rainy season. The funds allocated for this underground project ultimately shaped the final solution for the avenue, which prioritized non-motorized mobility and alternative transportation.

The result of this innovative approach is a three-kilometer bicycle lane, which serves as a high-performance means of transportation for both work commutes and family outings. Additionally, the project includes the establishment of park areas at pedestrian crosswalks, with small plazas where people can gather during lunch breaks or for social activities. Furthermore, a significant number of ash trees have been planted along a two-thousand-meter stretch of the avenue, creating a line forest of a single species.

It is important to note that the success of the Adolf Horn Avenue project depends heavily on its maintenance, particularly during its early years. If properly maintained, it has the potential to make a significant difference in shifting the focus from prioritizing cars to valuing public spaces and green areas. This project serves as a model that can be replicated in other city avenues, promoting the integration of public spaces and nature.

Of particular significance is the commitment shown by Tlaquepaque, as they continue to work on their section of the avenue within Tlajomulco. The Adolf Horn Avenue project, created by the Agraz Arquitectos S.C. architectural studio, has the potential to inspire similar initiatives that prioritize public spaces and nature. It stands as a testament to the importance of incorporating these features into road design and development.

Read also about the Transforming Luther J. Schilling School: Modernizing Education project