ETH Urban Transformation Program 2.0, Colombia

Colombia has been facing fast, increasing urbanisation in recent decades and the population is concentrated in a few large cities that are driving economic development. High informality, rampant inequalities and insecurity are important challenges faced by Colombian cities. In addition, climate change and natural hazards require sustainable, resilient urban development approaches.

The Urban Transformation Programme 2.0, implemented by the ETHZ Chair of Architecture and Urban Design, promotes innovative urban infrastructure and development approaches among Colombian municipalities and sector professionals, with the aim to create an enabling urban environment for inclusive, sustainable economic prosperity. The second phase of the programme is designed as an exit phase and structured in three components aimed at increasing sustainability: (i) consolidation of achievements from the first programme phase- (ii) adaptation and replication of infrastructure prototypes, including 'hands-on' training of sector professionals- (iii) multistakeholder knowledge exchange on urban transformation.

New infrastructure designed by ETHZ during the first phase for underprivileged neighbourhoods of three Colombian cities, and the finalisation of a strategic urban development plan, lead to an improved, more inclusive and economically dynamic urban environment.

Infrastructure prototypes developed during the first phase of the programme are successfully adapted and replicated by local partners in Colombian cities, which contributes to the adoption of sustainable construction methods and to an improved, more inclusive and economically dynamic urban environment.

A multistakeholder ecosystem and qualified workforce are available and motivated to promote innovative, inclusive, and sustainable urban design and transformation processes in Colombia.

Risultati principali attesi:  

Prototypes designed during the first phase of the programme are realised in line with detailed designs and sustainable construction standards in Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Medellin.

A strategic urban development plan for Barrio Abajo is presented to the municipality of Barranquilla.

Achievements of the first phase, including long-term economic development trends in targeted neighbourhoods, are evaluated in at least two cities.

At least two 'satellite' prototypes are realised by partners, with support from ETHZ to strengthen know-how for the adaptation of designs developed during the first phase.

A handbook on urban transformation developed by ETHZ is promoted among relevant stakeholders.

Partnerships between ETHZ and local universities are strengthened for the integration of learnings from the Urban Transformation Programme into training curricula.

The Swiss-Colombian Sustainable Construction Roundtable is used to disseminate knowledge and experiences from the programme.

Risultati fasi precedenti:  

During the first phase of the programme, the SECO contribution of CHF 4.4 million focused on technical assistance and knowledge transfer, and helped mobilise CHF 17 million from private and public funds for the construction of infrastructure prototypes designed by ETHZ. As part of the programme, over 40,000 m2 of public infrastructure in three cities have been realised. Collaboration between ETHZ and two Colombian universities helped generate and disseminate urban planning and construction know-how adapted to the local context. At least 10,000 people gained access to high-quality educational infrastructure and over 1,000 students and young professionals participated in courses and research linked to urban transformation in Colombia