The University Olympic Stadium in Pedregal: permanence and applicability

Abstract

The University Olympic stadium was the outcome of outstanding team work, especially of project creators: Augusto Perez Palacios, Jorge Bravo Jimenez and Raul Salinas Moro. It is deemed one of the best construction works in University City, as it perfectly took advantage of land topography, the volcanic landscape of “Pedregal de San Ángel” and natural resources in the area. This article underlines the concept that gave birth to the project, the two proposals for its construction: concrete and slopes; and the development and construction of such project. It also analyses the mural by Diego Rivera, the polemics surrounding the draft project –never completed- to extend the stadium for the 1968 Olympic Games, underlining its features as one of the most significant examples of Mexican architecture in the 20^th century.