AN ISLAND IN THE DESERT
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
El Paso and Ciudad Juárez are part of the Rio Grande or Rio Bravo watershed. A landscape that covers the geography of 3 American and 4 Mexican states. Surrounded by the Chihuahua desert and isolated by vast distances from state and national centers, the two cities feed off and complement each other.
The river is more than the geographical - and political - fact that determines the border, is the ecological and cultural backbone of a region that transgresses the one-dimensionality of the dividing line between the two countries. It has been historically the one water resource, and it is currently highly intervened. The river is the protagonist that introduces us to the stories that are part of this fascinating border region...
Postcard from:
Pablo, Architectural Designer
Postcard from:
Eric, CEO of El Paso Community Foundation
THE RIVER AS A RESOURCE
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
With the implementation of the NAFTA international treaty in the 1990s, the industrialization process in the region accelerated. As a consequence, the water demand and pollution of the river watershed increased, creating a need for a multi-state response in the development of new control and management structures. However, the approach taken to address these issues was to undertake hard infrastructure projects like dams and canals. These responses increased the damage of the river's natural systems and its environment. Today, the river is no longer the region's largest water source, and water stress has extended to its aquifers.
At the triple border between New Mexico, Texas and Chihuahua, these disruptions are evident. Here, a skinny stream manages to cross the International Diversion Dam, diverting its waters toward the Franklin canal on the American side — creating a small natural environment. Wetland pastures and a few cranes tell us about the potential for life and a living environment. The only people we see are a pair of Mexican soldiers walking a few meters from a monolith which marks the border. High-security metal fences, towers, and surveillance infrastructure rise from the hills and banks. All of which reminds us that we are in one of the busiest - and most conflictive - borders in the world...
Postcard from:
Tracy, CEO at Paso del Norte C. Foundation
Postcard from:
Luis Enrique, Hope Border Institute
THE RIVER AS A BORDER
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
In 1864 a large storm changed the course of the river dramatically. 283-hectares of Mexican territory suddenly jumped to the American side. What transpired since was a century of border disputes and negotiations to redefine the borderline. This unforeseen event showed that the border sometimes is a relative and dynamic event.
Finally, in 1963, the Chamizal Treaty put an end to disputes by fixing the border at an intermediate point. The course of the river was again modified - this time artificially - and canalized between concrete walls to control its strayed nature. In the following decades, progressive investment in hard infrastructure and security would further transform the river and reinforce a landscape of barriers. Here, two highways on each side, in addition to the fences and surveillance infrastructure mentioned earlier, and the presence of soldiers and border patrols, create an instrangressible strip. It is within this aggressive landscape that the bridges take on an unexpected civic role...
Postcard from:
Jazmin, architect
CONTESTED BRIDGES
In January 1917, a protest broke out on the international bridge that connects El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Hundreds of Mexican immigrants revealed by the unworthy conditions imposed by the American authorities to cross the border. With the excuse of avoiding the spread of typhus in the United States, hundreds of Mexicans who crossed the border daily to work were forced to take disinfecting baths. The bridge thus became not only a site of security and control, but also of demonstration and contestation, asking us continuously to confront our own humanity.
Much of this dichotomy still persists in the nature of the border bridge. It operates as a gradient between a space of encounter and separation, of informality and control. Here, activities in the public realm are charged by the physical presence of the line. On one side, vendors are free to take advantage of daily traffic. On the other side, however, meeting or loitering is not allowed. Border bridges are spaces for transit and waiting at once, and this condition inevitably gives them an important role as a social space in constant friction...
In January 1917, a protest broke out on the international bridge that connects El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Hundreds of Mexican immigrants revealed by the unworthy conditions imposed by the American authorities to cross the border. With the excuse of avoiding the spread of typhus in the United States, hundreds of Mexicans who crossed the border daily to work were forced to take disinfecting baths. The bridge thus became not only a site of security and control, but also of demonstration and contestation, asking us continuously to confront our own humanity.
Much of this dichotomy still persists in the nature of the border bridge. It operates as a gradient between a space of encounter and separation, of informality and control. Here, activities in the public realm are charged by the physical presence of the line. On one side, vendors are free to take advantage of daily traffic. On the other side, however, meeting or loitering is not allowed. Border bridges are spaces for transit and waiting at once, and this condition inevitably gives them an important role as a social space in constant friction...