How Mexico Reclaimed a Candela Masterpiece from the Brink

The domed silhouette of Los Manantiales de Xochimilco, a masterpiece by the legendary architect Félix Candela, stands as both a cultural icon and a fragile survivor. This architectural gem, situated in the heart of Mexico City's Xochimilco borough, suffered significant damage from the 2017 earthquake that shook the region. But thanks to a concerted effort involving academic expertise, governmental support, and private innovation, this historic structure is on the path to restoration, reclaiming its role as a public meeting point and cultural landmark.

Originally conceived in 1957, Los Manantiales embodies Candela’s groundbreaking work in laminar structures. The hyperbolic paraboloid geometry—an ingenious use of reinforced concrete—creates a fluid, organic form that feels almost weightless. Candela’s design ethos, developed through his company Cubiertas Ala, revolutionized the efficiency of concrete structures, blending functionality with breathtaking aesthetics. His innovative approach can be seen across Mexico in projects like the Cosmic Ray Pavilion at Ciudad Universitaria and the Palacio de los Deportes.

However, Los Manantiales holds a special place in Candela’s oeuvre, not just for its technical brilliance but for its cultural resonance. Its soaring eight-section vault became a symbol of Xochimilco’s identity, harmonizing with the UNESCO World Heritage canals and surrounding landscape.

The 2017 earthquake exposed the fragility of this once-resilient structure. The tremors caused severe subsidence and a web of cracks—some over a kilometer long—compromising the geometry of the building. Over decades, additional factors had taken their toll. The dropping water levels of Xochimilco’s canals forced changes to the structure’s access points, while uneven terrain caused a 50-centimeter subsidence, distorting its iconic form.

Architect Juan Ignacio del Cueto Ruiz-Funes, director of the Faculty of Architecture at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), described the dire state of Los Manantiales. “The foundations were broken, and seismic movement had deformed the structure irreversibly in places,” he explained. Without intervention, the risk of collapse loomed large.

The Restoration Effort

The rescue of Los Manantiales began in earnest in 2019, supported by Mexico’s National Reconstruction Plan and spearheaded by a coalition of stakeholders. Alongside the Xochimilco mayor’s office, experts from UNAM’s Faculty of Architecture and Engineering Institute led the technical restoration, while private firms contributed specialized skills.

The project unfolded in three meticulous stages:

1. Diagnostics and Emergency Stabilization
   Engineers and architects conducted comprehensive studies, including soil mechanics, seismographic analysis, and topographical mapping. X-rays of the concrete shell revealed the extent of the damage. Immediate measures included shoring up the structure to prevent further deformation and stabilizing the cracked foundations.
2. Structural Reinforcement
   A series of radial tie beams were installed to prevent the arches from spreading under stress. Sixteen 25-meter-deep piles were cast in place to anchor the structure securely. Damaged sections of the shell were demolished and rebuilt with reinforced steel, ensuring both safety and aesthetic fidelity.
3. Restoration of Aesthetics and Integrity
   In the final stage, the team stripped the shell down to its core, repairing cracks and restoring the structure’s geometry. Floors were replaced, and two severely damaged shells were entirely rebuilt. This stage aimed to honor Candela’s original vision while modernizing the space for future use.

With the structural restoration complete, attention now turns to reimagining Los Manantiales as a vibrant cultural hub. Del Cueto Ruiz-Funes envisions a cultural corridor linking the site with two other historic buildings: the Las Flores Restaurant, another Candela creation, and the Casa de Bombas, an early 20th-century structure by Alberto J. Pani.

“The goal is to transform these buildings into interconnected public spaces,” he said. “We want to establish a safe, accessible passage while preserving their historical and architectural significance.”

Plans include relocating a mural that tells the history of Xochimilco, enhancing landscaping, and improving access routes that were compromised by the construction of a nearby highway. These interventions aim to reintegrate Los Manantiales into the fabric of Xochimilco’s community life, ensuring its visibility and accessibility for future generations.

A Legacy Reborn

The restoration of Los Manantiales is more than a technical achievement; it is a tribute to Félix Candela’s legacy and a testament to the enduring value of cultural heritage. As Del Cueto Ruiz-Funes notes, Candela’s influence extends far beyond Mexico, shaping modern architecture worldwide.

Set to be unveiled in January 2025, the revitalized Los Manantiales will stand as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. By breathing new life into this historic structure, the restoration team not only safeguards an architectural masterpiece but also reaffirms the importance of preserving the past to inspire the future.

For Xochimilco, and for all who cherish the intersection of art, architecture, and history, Los Manantiales is poised to become a beacon once more.