Creating fountains of hope in Medellín through urban intervention

Banking on symbiotic nature-based solutions

The project integrates water, light and landscape as an integral part of the city identity. Image: Sergio Gómez.

Creating fountains of hope in Medellín through urban intervention

Banking on symbiotic nature-based solutions

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    Articulated Site in Colombia - Project Update

    The project integrates water, light and landscape as an integral part of the city identity. Image: Sergio Gómez.

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    Articulated Site in Colombia - Project Update

    The project transforms under-utilized water tanks into spaces for public use. Image: Sergio Gómez.

UVA de La Imaginación is one of 20 obsolete water reservoirs turned into parks by Colectivo 720 in Medellín, Colombia. The goal of the Global Holcim Awards Gold winning project of 2014 is to create quality public amenities in low-income neighborhoods grappling with crime. Opened in 2015, the pilot project became a model for a new policy of urban development.

Last updated: November 07, 2023 Medellín, Colombia

By Mrinmayee Bhoot, Ecogradia

The scheme takes inspiration from the site’s history, topography and structure of the existing tanks. It aims to encourage citizen interaction through planned, and sometimes spontaneous, recreational activities.

Feature interview – Articulated Site: Water reservoirs as public park, Medellín, Colombia

For us it was clear from the beginning that we wanted to preserve the site’s positive qualities and create a multifunctional facility – using what already exists. Luis Tombé Project Architect

Integrating landscape with the urban fabric

The purpose was to promote culture and the dissemination of knowledge through the interaction of public and private actors in the community. The site for UVA de La Imaginación included four tanks, two of which were already disused. The other two were still a part of the water supply system of the city.

Thus, a major challenge of the project was to open the site to the community without affecting operation. This was done through the reuse of infrastructure and inclusive design. Open, dynamic green spaces were introduced and a series of terraces were planned to accommodate the public program. Trails around the repurposed tanks and across the site offer access to other parts of the city.

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