After the successful experience in the San Rafael neighborhood, La Otra Ciudad was once again selected to receive financial support of $24,000,000 COP to implement two new urban intervention projects.
This path led us to Loma del Barro, in the Alto de las Flores sector of Envigado. Here we faced conditions similar to those of San Rafael: little green space, a school, and an underused public space occupied by cars and motorbikes. In short, a place with great potential that the local community was not able to enjoy.
The methodology was the same: we began with surveys of the neighborhood's residents to understand their perceptions around topics such as safety, youth, recreational spaces and community work. We then ran a series of workshops in which the community could tell us about their context, the life of their neighborhood, their needs and their proposals to make it better for everyone.
With an excited and highly motivated community, the time finally came to get to work. We reunited with old friends and allies from the San Rafael project, such as our muralists @wes.oner and @seeker.uno, who once again put their art at the service of the community with a large mural evoking nature and community.
The next step focused on mobility in the area: the street was painted in bright colors to create more visible and safer pedestrian spaces — much needed, considering the local school's exit is right there.
Finally it was nature's turn. With the help of many local residents, especially children, a total of 146 plants of up to 34 different species were planted to attract birds, bees and butterflies. New street furniture was also installed to encourage community gathering.
In total, more than 340 m² of public space were transformed for the use and enjoyment of the Alto de las Flores community.