How did a city, considered in the mid-1990s as the "most dangerous in the world," come to be recognized as the "most innovative city in the world" in the City of the Year contest?
Through urbanism and social architecture! And that's exactly what we're going to talk about today. Get ready to dive into this case study, which is a true source of inspiration!
Combating insecurity through common spaces
The city of Medellín, the second largest in Colombia, also known for drug trafficking and insecurity, saw architecture — and public policies — as a way to change this situation.
A strategy was adopted to remodel common spaces, such as parks and squares, to make the city more inviting and to encourage people to feel comfortable occupying public spaces. With the increased flow of people on the streets, the city also became safer.
Public Transport | Cable Car
Another significant transformation was the implementation of a somewhat unusual public transport system: due to the steep slopes of the city, which is surrounded by mountains, terrestrial public transport is challenging, although the presence of buses remains important.
The Medellín cable car is an aerial transport system that connects mountainous areas of the city with the urban center. In addition to providing efficient transportation, the cable car also serves as a tool for social inclusion, allowing residents of peripheral areas a better access to employment opportunities, education, and public services.
It consists of six commercial service lines, with a total length of 14.62 km. All 20 operational stations are adapted to facilitate the entry of people with reduced mobility (PRM).
Green corridors to combat the heat
Medellín, like many other cities around the world, faces significant challenges due to rising temperatures and the impact of urban heat islands. The prevalent concrete and asphalt in urban areas absorb solar energy during the day and radiate heat at night, keeping the city excessively warm and uncomfortable for its inhabitants.
Faced up with this scenario, the Medellín authorities adopted an innovative approach to tackle the problem. The Green Corridors project transformed 18 streets and 12 waterways of the city into true green paradises! This initiative involved greening these routes, introducing a large number of trees and vegetation along urban thoroughfares. More green = cooler temperatures!
Architecture is not a luxury; it's a right for all.
With the premise of "making architecture accessible" for those who need it most, the city made some important interventions in the favelas, building leisure and cultural spaces called UVA (Unidades de Vida Articulada).
In this specific context of a housing complex with such a large population, the presence of a UVA can be transformative. The UVA becomes the central point for social gathering and interaction, offering opportunities for recreational, educational, cultural, and sports activities for all ages. This not only promotes a sense of community and belonging but also contributes to the physical and mental health of residents.
Holistic and multidisciplinary vision
Established by the local government, EDU is an innovative initiative that brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including architects, sociologists, social workers, and other experts, with the aim of coordinating and implementing actions to improve the quality of life in urban areas of the city.
The EDU's approach is based on the understanding that urban challenges are complex and interconnected, requiring integrated and collaborative solutions. By bringing together a diverse team of experts, issues beyond simple physical infrastructure can be addressed, such as social inequality, access to basic services, and citizen participation.
Read also: 5 women in architecture and the arts who inspire us
Social architecture as a source of inspiration
The success of Medellín as a city that prioritises the well-being of its inhabitants is a testament to the transformative power of social architecture! By embracing a holistic approach to urban design, the city has managed to overcome significant challenges and create an urban environment that promotes equality, inclusion, and quality of life for all.
And this is our inspiration! May this case study help us see architecture with an integrated vision and increasingly accessible to all. Shall we?