Urban Transformation: The Architecture of Medellín, Colombia’s Evolving Metropolis

Public projects have begun to transform one of South America’s most unique cities.

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Few cities have undergone radical urban transformation like Medellín, Colombia. Plagued by violence in the 1980s and 1990s and known as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellín begun to change under the leadership of former mayor Sergio Fajardo. With major investments in public infrastructure and civic architecture, Fajardo began a transformation process that has continued over the last decade. Addressing some of the poorest and most underprivileged districts in Medellín, public projects have begun to provide better connections throughout the city and its urban fabric. Designed as community spaces that are inclusive and socially equitable, new cultural projects can be found across the city.

From the metro cable system to improved educational facilities and transit lines, Medellín has demonstrated how visionary approaches to planning can improve urban life. Today, Medellín continues to reinvent itself, from the ambitious Medellín River master plan to the network of UVAS. Using architecture to model new forms of civic engagement, these sustainable designs provide a framework for social development. The following collection explores the city’s cultural projects and how they are helping to build a better life for the citizens of Medellín.

Aquatic Center by Paisajes Emergentes, Medellín, Colombia

Formed as four pools connected by a garden, this Aquatic Center was designed around public recreation, competitions and teaching. Private and public spaces are separated by a flooded landscape planted with tropical wetland species. The project was critically organized to explore relationships between people, program and place.

Orquideorama by plan:b, Medellín, Colombia

Orquideorama is both a garden and public space designed through scale, organization and pattern. Allowing growth and flexibility through seven hexagonal modules, the project provides space for a range of activities between structural supports and clustered gardens.

Ruta N by Estudio Transversal, Medellín, Colombia

Built as an enterprise and innovation center, Ruta N was designed as a sustainable building that connects to surrounding public spaces. Anchoring the development of the innovation district in Medellín, the project was made as three forms connected by a central patio and garden.

Avenida Oriental by Giovanna Vittoria Spera Velasquez, Medellín, Colombia

Designed to improve connectivity and physical conditions along existing street dividers, the Avenida Oriental project was created in a series of phases. Conceptually, a “Mountain of Flowers” occupies the central divider, a form where organic shapes and vivid colors combine to evoke a field of flowers.

4 Sports Scenarios by Mazzanti Arquitectos, Medellín, Colombia

Mazzanti’s project for four sport arena centers around a roofing system of parallel strips. Running across each building, the strips connect competition areas with public space while reflecting the mountain landscape of the Aburrá valley.

Auditorium La Enseñanza School by OPUS – Oficina de Proyectos Urbanos, Medellín, Colombia

Balancing varied ground levels while respecting the existing landscape, this auditorium project for La Enseñanza School was derived from its site. Creating visual relationships with outside vegetation, the design merges with its surroundings through a “tree trunk” structural system and large apertures that orient to outside views.

Biblioteca La Quintana – Tomas Carrasquilla by La Rotta Arquitectos, Medellín, Colombia

The La Quintana Library was built as a part of a municipal plan and urban transformation project for Medellín. Connecting to the La Quintana stream and nearby park, the project also links to the Metroplus transportation system as a point of social and cultural exchange.

Spain Library Park by Mazzanti Arquitectos, Medellín, Colombia

Formed as a landscape that connects to the urban topography, the Spain Library Park was mapped and folded around “rocks” and a shared platform. Programmatically, the design includes training areas, classrooms and a library.

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Author: Eric Baldwin

Based in New York City, Eric was trained in both architecture and communications. As Director of Communications at Sasaki, he has a background spanning media, academia, and practice. He's deeply committed to trying as many restaurants as possible in NYC.