photo of san benito market

MERCADO DE LA GENTE

Name
Xinrong Xie
Education degree
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Architecture
Institute
Architecture and Space
Program
Architecture and Extreme Environments
Year
2026

The project transforms a major market group in the historic center of Merida, Mexico, from status quo to a mixed-use city retail center that supports economic vitality and creativity. The site's history and cultural identity are rediscovered through planning and architectural intervention. Managed by a locally formed community cooperative, the project also addresses equitable development in urban

Background

After the demolition of San Benito Castle, subsequent elite-led development placed the majority of Indians and mestizos—of diverse ethnicities and economically poor—in a passive position. As the most active group in today’s market, they are constrained by an outdated spatial structure shaped by history, which fails to adequately respond to their needs.
This area has a rich history, and the historical value of its urban space remains to be discovered.

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The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)