Holistic solutions vs Band-aids
Like it was mentioned in class, the MetroCable in Medellin inspired many similar projects around South America. One of them was made in Caracas, (yes my city again, sorry) unfortunately the one made there was not as successful as the one in Colombia. After seeing in detail the original MetroCable I noticed that the most significant difference relied on the treatment done surrounding the stations. In communities with so many needs, fixing only a connection problem may not work because, like what happened with the version in Caracas, it is going to feel like an intrusion on the slums fabric. When the stations were added in without any social activities surrounding it or improving the sidewalks to it, they were too exposed to crime since there was no movement happening around. These spaces turned into dangerous areas where people would be scared to go because they were lonely and a big target. All in all, in places where the list of primary needs is bigger than the list of improvements, solutions cannot be isolated, they have to be well integrated and more holistic.
Metrocable Medellin vs Metrocable Caracas.
Metrocable Medellin vs Metrocable Caracas.
Was there a reason why they did not include public space surrounding the stations? Or even a park? Without that component, it is easy to understand how those areas could become unsafe.
ReplyDeleteIt takes an extensive understanding of a place to construct something so large (that will undoubtedly alter that place) without making it feel intrusive. What works in one city might not work in another. There is no cookie-cutter fix that can be slapped into a city and called "done". And for something so expensive too...
ReplyDeleteI agree that one solution provide for the to solve the society needs, but the solution is solving the unnecessary problem of society. They can actually use those resources on the other urgent needs.
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