Luis Martínez del Campo, supervisor and operator of Olympic venues
A peek at the competition venues for Mexico '68, told through the lens of the architect who coordinated their construction and operation.
Luis Martínez del Campo (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
A historical figure
Architect Luis Martínez del Campo (1934) studied at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico) and designed the construction of Estadio Azteca. He was 31 when he oversaw the construction and adaptation of the Olympic venue for Mexico '68, a crucial challenge that humbled global skepticism.
Aztec stadium (1966) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Colossus of Saint Ursula
The Estadio Azteca, a feat of Mexican engineering and architecture. Its design embodies innovation and national pride. Its revolutionary design and colossal capacity make it an iconic site and a testament to the history of international sport.
Aztec stadium (1966) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
New horizons
In July 1966, after delivering the plans, specifications, construction logs and technical report for Estadio Azteca, architect Martínez del Campo closed the book on a six-year cycle from its conception to inauguration on May 29, 1966. But a new challenge would soon arise.
"A few weeks later, I heard the news on the car radio that the architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez had been appointed president of the Organizing Committee to hold the Games of the XIX Olympiad.
The architect broadly explained the daunting situation to me―namely its magnitude, scope and, above all, proximity―of holding an Olympics, where preparations usually unfold over the course of five years but Mexico only had 27 months."
Pedro Ramírez Vázquez and Luis Martínez del Campo (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Rising to the challenge
Martínez del Campo was invited to head the Olympic Facilities Management Department, generating mixed feelings: on the one hand, pride for his recognition, and on the other, the overwhelming realization of the enormous challenge it posed with such a short deadline.
Mexico 68 ice rink illustration (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
The great challenge
"Generally speaking, 100 facilities needed to be implemented for the 20 Olympic sports, plus two exhibition facilities. Some 27 of these facilities would be for competing and the remainder for training. All in just two years."
Mexico Ice Rink 68 (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Planning and strategy
The Olympic Organizing Committee's instructions were clear: "Use existing facilities whenever possible, and only build what you have to."
Choosing venues
"Of the estate available for competitions, we selected 20 that, based on their condition, features and use, could be adapted suitably. The other seven would have to be built to meet sporting regulations."
University Olympic Stadium (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Estadio Olímpico Universitario (1952)
The site was adapted to become the home of the opening and closing ceremonies, in addition to hosting athletic and equestrian competitions and thus become the center of the world's attention.
University Olympic Stadium (1952) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Estadio Olímpico Universitario (1968)
The transformation of the Estadio Universitario MEXICO '68 embodied Mexico's vision and ability to host world-class events. Some of its most notable elements and moments include the lighting for color broadcasting, El Palomar (the Black Salute), the innovative tartan track and the photofinish of the men's 200 m final.
Olympic Villages
Two accommodation complexes were built with all the facilities required for food, recreation, training and all kinds of services. One complex was for sports delegations and the other for referees and cultural groups. Both were equipped with press centers.
Virgilio Uribe Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Track (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Course
Shortly after Martínez del Campo joined the OOC, the International Rowing and Canoeing Federation threatened to withdraw the sport because a competition site had not been set. Mexico City's Director of Hydraulic Works quickly set about building the canals.
Virgilio Uribe Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Track (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Persistent challenges
At the end of the course, water lilies were growing in the canals, posing an obstacle for the rowers. Mirror carp were then introduced, but their appetites damaged the riverbed's impermeable layer. The carp were removed and common carp were introduced, which fed on the lilies.
First challenge overcome
The Olympic rowing and canoeing course was the first facility to be ready for the Games. Thomas Keller, Head of the International Rowing Federation, praised Mexico for its ability to build rowing canals.
"Germany asked me how to correctly create rowing canals… I told them: ask Mexico." — Thomas Keller
Construction of the Sports Palace (1967) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Palacio de los Deportes
Among the new facilities is this impeccable sports and multi-purpose building, the work of architects Félix Candela, Enrique Castañeda and Antonio PeyrÍ.
"A mixed concrete-metal semi-circle forms the façades and roof, providing a completely clear interior with no obstructing columns, thus ensuring perfect visibility from any angle of the venue."
Sports Palace (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
An urban icon
The pinnacle-shaped copper-sheet roof finish will always be emblematic and a landmark on the city's landscape.
ABC cameraman in Mexico 68 (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Color broadcasting
A pioneer in broadcasting an Olympics for color television, Mexico faced the challenge of adapting its facilities for this innovation. Olympics Facilities Management worked hard to equip the venues with adequate 1,200-lux lighting.
Alberca Olímpica Francisco Márquez (1968) by Acervo del Arq. Pedro Ramírez VázquezPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool
The facility offered perfect visibility free from any columns or obstructions. This was achieved thanks to its ingeniously designed suspended roof, which is 120 yards long by 107 yards wide, the equivalent of a soccer field.
Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Creative engineering
Countless sand barrels hung up on cables were used to achieve the inverse curves in the roof, to achieve the design as planned. An example of creativity and ingenuity.
Francisco Márquez Olympic Pool (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Cultural Program of Mexico 68 (1968) by Ruta de la AmistadPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
Cultural Program
Olympic Facilities Management also coordinated and adapted works for the 20 events of the Cultural Program, which included theaters, congress halls and exhibition venues, a remarkable contribution (similar to what it did for sport) in open public spaces.
The Red Sun completed (20th Century) by Alexander CalderPatronato Ruta de la Amistad A.C
The Route of Friendship
To celebrate friendship between peoples and nations during these Olympic Games, 22 monumental sculptures were also erected along Periférico Sur and in several Olympic venues, most notably 'The Red Sun' by Alexander Calder at Estadio Azteca.
The Olympic flame was burning out
"It was an exhaustive, fascinating experience achieved thanks to the extraordinary effort of thousands of Mexicans who, underpinned by our people's traditional hospitality, achieved one of the best and warmest sporting and cultural events the world has ever seen in modern history."
General Giuseppe Fabre, Governor of the Olympic Village at the Olympic Winter Games in Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956, advised two members of Mexico's Olympic Organizing Committee in 1966.
On one of his visits, I asked him what he envisioned for Mexico '68. With a smile, he told us:
"I think it's incredibly difficult for a good architect to become a good doctor in two years."
When the Olympic Games came to a close, the Secretary General of the OOC hosted a reception. That's where Fabre stood up and said:
"Here's to Mexico. It's the only country I know where a good architect can become a great doctor in two years."
I think we were the only two people in the room who understood his message.
The unsung heroes in these accomplishments were the thousands of Mexican workers whose hands erected the sports venues and auxiliary facilities for the Olympic Games that Mexico gave to the world in 1968.
— Luis Martínez del Campo
Background: Pedro Ramírez Vázquez
Text: Luis Martínez del Campo
Design: Luis Javier de la Torre González
Information: Javier Ramírez Campuzano and Karina García Bárcenas
This story was made possible thanks to support and collaboration from Patronato Ruta de la Amistad.
