Carlos Slim’s Urban Imaginary: Plaza Carso and the Privatization of Public Space

• In Event: Mapping the Megalopolis: Making an Atlas of Mexico City

Abstract

This paper explores the urban imaginary of the richest person in the world, Carlos Slim. It aims to understand how Slim orders the disorder of Mexico City through analysis of one of his most important urban projects, Plaza Carso, which is the largest mixed use development project in Latin America. It features Slim’s tribute to his deceased wife, Museo Soumaya. The Museum is also an act of philanthropy, as it makes Slim’s private art collection accessible to the public. Plaza Carso’s office towers host Slim’s business empire, Grupo Carso. The residential buildings offer luxury living that boost security and easy access to work and entertainment. The paper uses the notion of privatization of public space to evaluate the multiple ways Slim’s urban imaginary can be located: within circuits of global capitalism, within the circulation of globally significant iconic architecture, within Mexico City, as well as within the challenges of 21st century urbanism. The paper also considers the centrality of consumption by exploring the spaces within Plaza Carso’s upscale shopping mall. It concludes with evaluation of Slim’s urban imaginary from the perspective of Henri Lefebvre’s “right to the city,” which invites consideration of contestations to Slim’s order of Mexico City.

Author

• Glen D Kuecker