Integrating contemporary art with the landscape in a dialogue between human creation and the natural environment, the Sculpture Space of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) represents one of the most important public artworks in Latin America. Both the Sculpture Space and the Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve at UNAM in Mexico City have recently been awarded the Carlo Scarpa International Prize for Gardens 2023-2024, granted by the Benetton Foundation for Studies and Research based in Treviso, Italy. They were recognized for their high natural, historical, and cultural value as works of preservation and collective art that emerged from a lava surface where new neighborhoods and UNAM’s University City were developed.
To the south of Mexico City lies Ciudad Universitaria, the main campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), covering an area of 730 hectares, with 176.5 hectares comprising the Central Campus, inaugurated in 1952. The Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve was established in 1983, placing 237 hectares under the protection of UNAM, located in the southwestern part of the university’s boundaries. Formed by the eruption of the Xitle volcano, the Ecological Reserve primarily consists of volcanic lava, diverse vegetation, and wildlife native to the ecosystem. Although 90% of the reserve is closed to visitors to ensure its conservation, access is permitted to the remaining 10%, where the Sculpture Space (Espacio Escultórico) and the Sculpture Walk (Paseo de las Esculturas) are located.
