Metaphysical conceptions have always influenced how human 
societies create the built environment. Mexico—with its rich 
culture, full of symbol and myth, its beautiful cities, and its 
evocative ruins—is an excellent place to study the interplay of 
influences on space and place. In this volume, the authors consider 
the ideas and views that give the constructed spaces and buildings 
of Mexico—especially, of Querétaro—their particular ambience. 
They explore the ways the built world helps people find meaning 
and establish order for their earthly existence by mirroring their 
metaphysical assumptions, and they guide readers through time to 
see how the transformation of worldviews affects the urban 
evolution of a Mexican city.

    The authors, then, construct a "metaphysical archeology" of 
space and place in the built landscape of Mexico. In the process, 
they identify the intangible, spiritual aspects of this land.
 
    Not only scholars of architecture, but also archeologists and 
anthropologists—particularly those interested in Mexican 
backgrounds and culture—will appreciate the authors' approach 
and conclusions.

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FERNANDO NÚÑEZ holds a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. 
CARLOS ARVIZU completed his doctorate in urban planning 
at the Sorbonne in Paris. RAMÓN ABONCE's Ph.D. in urban 
geography was awarded by the University of Laval, Quebec. All 
three authors are professors at the Querétaro campus of 
Tecnológico Monterrey.


Number Seven: Studies in Architecture and Culture