Barranquilla was the epicenter of the implementation of tactical urbanism actions from January 22 to 27, 2023. The sector of Villa del Mar (La Cangrejera), Eduardo Santos La Playa neighborhood, was the chosen area to implement the actions since during the last 5 years it has become one of the sectors of the city with the greatest presence of Venezuelan migrants with a vocation for permanence; also the neighborhood has a high deficit of public space, as it practically does not have parks, squares, roads are not paved and there are no pedestrian side walks. From May to December 2021, co-creation workshops were held with the community, authorities and cooperation agencies, which resulted in the prioritization of two actions in the sector: the conquest of a new public space in the community environment (creation of a stage square) and the improvement of the existing soccer field in Las Cometas Park.
In these places, low-cost, rapid implementation and high social impact interventions were carried out. With the stage square, a new public space was conquered, as a corner where cars used to park, motorbikes passed by and permanently flooded was transformed into a place to strengthen community ties through games, art, culture and education, incorporating gardens, benches to sit and talk, and solar LED lighting. On the soccer field of Las Cometas park, metal and wooden structures were built so that the balls would not affect the neighbors; sites that provide shade, benches, solar led lighting and general beautification were also installed.
More than 60 residents supported this process of urban transformation in different ways, also counting on the support of Barranquilla Verde, which donated 400 plants for the landscaping of the intervention; Israaid, who provided manpower and logistical support; UNICEF, which provided logistical support and convening; and the Faculty of Architecture of the Universidad del Norte, whose students gave a special touch to the interventions.
Press clip El Tiempo newspaper
Press cipl El Espectador newspaper