Oct 182010
 

Expo 2010 Shanghai is the largest ever universal exhibition. Its theme is “Better City, Better Life”. The Expo has brought together more than 190 countries and 50 international organization. Each country has its own pavilion in Expo 2010.

At the Mexican pavilion in Expo 2010 Shanghai, this week (October 18–22) is Environment Week. Buried in the website for Mexico’s pavilion is a video section entitled “Past and present in Mexico’s Cities”. [Sadly, the link at http://shanghai2010.unam.mx/ssize/ext/?eje=migracion&lang=en no longer works]. While navigation in this section is far from intuitive, it is well worth spending some time wandering around this labyrinth of riches, even if only by trial and error. There are some excellent short written descriptions in English of a wide range of topics, from Aztec chinampas (mud “islands” separated by canals) to urban growth in the 19th century to future directions for Mexico’s cities.

Here’s hoping that the in-depth resource, apparently the work of UNAM, the National University, continues to be available after Expo 2010 closes at the end of the month.

In Geo-Mexico: the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico, chapters 21 and 22 analyze Mexico’s 500-year transition to an urban society and the internal geography of Mexico’s cities. Chapter 23 looks at urban issues, problems and trends. To preview more parts of the book, click here and use amazon.com’s “Look Inside” feature. Buy your copy today!

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