Cartagena de Indias, a UNESCO city since 1984, represents one of the best examples of colonial and military architecture conservation in Latin America. The uncontrolled urban growth in the last century, building speculation, and tourist boom, have led to a disjointed, deficient, congested, and gentrified urban structure, as in various Latin American realities. The scenario outlined is of a highly diversified and degraded urban design to the detriment of the historical and cultural identity of the most fragile neighborhoods in the historical periphery.
The project proposal starts with protecting and enhancing historical heritage as a fundamental resource for improving urban quality. The goal is to re-establish a relationship between the historical and contemporary City by Working on the neighborhoods and their connection based on the use and appropriation of public and heritage space.
In particular:
Re-develop the areas inside the historic walls in the neighborhoods of “Getsemani” (famous landmark district).
Re-develop the park around the Castle of San Felipe (military stronghold and most visited tourist site in Cartagena).
Strengthen residential and commercial activity in the “La Matuna” district by converting abandoned buildings into social housing.
Objectives go hand in hand with the desire to favor gentle mobility by constructing articulated and extended cycle-pedestrian routes to the suburbs.
The aim is to create a continuity of public spaces, which, extending along the different areas of the urban fabric, are the seat of cultural, commercial, or recreational activities, thus safeguarding the identity of this particular metropolitan area.
