this plaza in xhaman-ha or pláaya in modern maya language, is redeveloped to this stage in 2002 in remembrance of the city "birth" 101 years before. of course it was birth of playa del carmen as we know it today. on the same spot ancient maya city of xhaman-ha existed probably since 300 ad. very interesting plaza with park is stretching between very touristic quinta avenida, pedestrian street on the north and a walkway and beach on the south side. on its north west corner there is a beautiful little church 'capillla de adoracion". plaza municipal has, especially during the evenings, two very different atmosphere on its north and south parts. north is full of noisy bars, loud conversations on the street full of souvenirs and craft shops. south side by the beach is reserved for locals, quiet and proud maya people.

.................plaza municipal, playa del carmen, quintana roo, mexico, 2008

interestingly in the state of quintana roo, where playa del carmen is located, 85% of the population are maya or mixed maya origin. they are enjoying watching the passers by, occasional soccer match on the beach, food prepared and sold on the stands nearby and company of the whole family. it was not clear to us why tourists are avoiding this excellent space but pleasant and very hospitable maya people are for the few days during our stay readily making space for us to sit on the wall along the beach and spent some time in their company. saving spaces and observing happenings on gathering spaces like this is extremely valuable for understanding urban morphology and social integration or segregation in this case.

:: next square

:: opening page ::

:: urbansquares art ::

:: activities :: documentation ::

:: who we are :: contact us ::

:: our photo blog :: our blog ::

:: network :: site map ::

:: home ::

web this site

:: ..c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ... s y s t e m.. ::
sociability	9	:: more about the evaluation method ::		ceremonial		:: more about the types of squares ::
uses & activities	8			religious	x
access & linkages	10			social	x
comfort	10			residential
image	9			court yard
tourist value	10			with park
total	56			street, shopping

other squares in nederland
rotterdam 01	rotterdam 02	rotterdam 03
shiedam 04	amsterdam05	amsterdam06
amsterdam07	gouda 08	maastricht 09
zierikzee 10	zierikzee 11	vlissingen 12
delft 13	.
other squares in mexico
ek"balam 01	chichenitza02	chichenitza03
playa 04	playa 05	valadolid 06
select another country australia argentina belgium canada croatia cuba dominican republic england france greece italy nederland mexico portugal montenegro spain serbia united nations urugvay usa special project