A--D -- Community Infrastructure System Altos del Pino

Introduction

The Altos del Pino neighborhood began its conformation at the end of the 80s. This is a territory rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, as a result of its more than 700,000 inhabitants from all regions of the country, and since the last two decades, from neighboring countries such as Venezuela. Since 2014, various organizations and collectives began to be linked to the artistic, audiovisual and pedagogical processes, and since 2016, actions from the field of architecture and community urbanism have been articulated to these processes. Together with the Proyecto Escape foundation, an organization created and led by a family from the neighborhood and urbz Colombia have consolidated and strengthened processes based on mutual support, which have allowed valuing the capabilities, skills, knowledge and resources.

The consolidation of the Community Infrastructure System includes : 2016 the Restorative Cell, 2018 Community Bathrooms, 2019 - 2021 Casa Guadua Cultural Center, a multicultural and multipurpose space that encompasses all possible activities for the neighborhood. It is to date the largest project achieved, in scale and scope. We have initiated the design of a multifunctional public space in the heart of the neighborhood that articulates outdoor activities, playgrounds, and cultural nodes and the activation of community gardens. In conclusion, it seeks to build the foundations for the promotion of new urban life in the neighborhood.

Impact

Altos de Cazucá and Altos del Pino have a very low index of effective public space due to their high occupational density (3.82 m² per inhabitant), far below the internationally suggested minimum (10 m² - 15 m² per inhabitant). This figure is approximate due to the lack of an accurate population census, and does not take into account the quality of these spaces, which often limit or hinder their use. This project seeks not only to increase the amount of effective public space, but also to qualify it, giving it a special value for the outdoor life of the neighborhood's population.

It is estimated that some 25,000 people who live in the immediate surroundings of the neighborhood, as well as those who pass through from other areas, will benefit from the proposed meeting, play and rest spaces. This number arises from the analysis of impacts recorded in previous stages of the Community Infrastructure System.

In addition, the area is home to a significant migrant population, both from other regions of Colombia and Venezuela, which generates a rich cultural dynamic. This diversity represents an opportunity to reflect and bring together knowledge, beliefs and experiences.

Finally, we also believe that this, as well as each of the projects that have been carried out in the neighborhood, provide the management tools and expertise to ensure the neighborhood's autonomy in the continuity and sustainability of its projects.

Core team

The work team in Altos del Pino is mainly made up of two key organizations that, for more than 9 years, have been promoting architecture and urban planning projects to strengthen the territory.

Escape Project Foundation (Management and Leadership)
Organization created in Altos del Pino by the Zambrano Guerrero family more than 20 years ago. In its beginnings, the foundation led student reinforcements in the territory, and has expanded its field of action to music, audiovisual production, food sustainability, local governance and infrastructure, always from a self-managed perspective of social cohesion.

Within the framework of the construction of the Community Infrastructure System, it has led the processes of design, management, construction, maintenance and sustainability, and at the same time has functioned as a liaison and connection with the various organizations that have supported the processes. This same role will be played in the current public space project.

urbz (Organization, Documentation and Technical Support)
International organization working in Altos del Pino since 2016, supporting participatory processes promoted from the neighborhood. It has contributed to the construction of infrastructure, connected the community with academia and promoted research production. As part of the new project, urbz will promote architecture and urban planning workshops to design, build and manage the proposed public spaces.