This book may seem a simple accumulation of twenty-one public space projects in eight Latin American cities. On closer inspection, the presentation of project descriptions, photographs, and annotated drawings reflects a concern to analytically explain the operative aspects at work. 

The publication is not intended to serve only as a catalogue, guide, or manual on how to produce public space in spontaneous settlements. Rather, it goes beyond the aims of an index of best practices. It is intended, instead, as an empirical base for a critical and theoretical engagement with the problematic of development, social inclusion, public investment, (in)formal settlement, civil society and the public sphere. The publication achieves its final function at this third level, by providing a compelling argument to expand the agency of architects and urban designers and creatively find ways of justifying, financing, and building public spaces in communities —spaces that have a catalytic effectiveness in achieving significant urban and social transformation.

This book was awarded by a Graham Foundation Grant and CAF Development Bank of Latin America.

FEATURED CASE STUDIES:

CONSERVATION

72 Linear parks along the Estero Salado | Guayaquil, Ecuador

80 National Park Babil.nia and Chap.u Mangueira | R.o de Janeiro, Brasil

88 Urban agriculture along the Rimac River | Lima, Peru

WASTE MANAGEMENT

96 Moravia Ecological Park | Medellin, Colombia

104 Plaza La Cruz, La Palomera | Caracas, Venezuela

RISKMANAGEMENT

112 El Guasmo Beach, floodable park | Guayaquil, Ecuador

120 Safety plazas in Santa Mar.a El Triunfo | Lima, Peru

128 Recovery of the Juan Bobo Creek | Medellin, Colombia

INFRASTRUCTURE

136 Northeast metrocable parks Comuna 1, La Popular | Medell.n, Colombia

144 Barrio Las Independencias escalators and walkways | Medellin, Colombia

152 Funicular in Dona Marta | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

160 Complexo do Alem.o | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

168 Ecotecnia Urbana Miravalle | Mexico City, Mexico

PAVEMENT, PATHS AND THE SPACE SURROUNDING BUILDINGS

176 Pavement, paths and stairs Cerro Santo Doming and Cerro Toro | Valpara.so, Chile

184 Cerro Santa Ana urban rehabilitation | Guayaquil, Ecuador

192 Fernando Botero Library | Medellin, Colombia

200 Moravia Cultural Center | Medellin, Colombia

208 Espa.o Crian.a and community programs | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

216 Plaza in Villa Tranquila | Buenos Aires, Argentina

ACTIVITY

224 Casa Kolacho Comuna 13 | Medellin, Colombia

232 AfroReggae Cultural Center | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

240 Alto Per. | Lima, Peru

248 El Calvario Puertas Abiertas | Caracas, Venezuela

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