Cidudad de Guatemala, barrio La Limonada

The goal was to solve insufficient conditions in slum La Limonada in Guatemala City. The main idea was to connect whole area, to make it accesible and to create tools for inhabitants to enable them creation of their own flexible space for various occations, functions and their current needs.

Design exploits the free space above the river to avoid inefficient demolition, movement of people and tearing them away from the community. The main “backbone” was designed there - an infrastructure intersecting the entire slum with a connection to the city center (access for services, public transport). There are bridges across the backbone, which form a link between separate banks, between the people. At the crossroads, nodes are formed – places for meeting, enrichment and diversity. According to the hierarchy of the nodes, centers with different importance, size and character will emerge. Naming of the new centers and streets gives the place a new identity and helps the orientation. The emphasis is on flexibility, the needs of the residents and their participation in the formation of the public place – creation of “empty” spaces. Simple structures can be built in dedicated areas to add a new function (school, clinic, etc.). It is a symbolic acquisition of a space, a free place for everyone, providing versatility, equality and non-discrimination. Transformation and development are managed by the inhabitants. Proposed lighting guarantees the reduction of crime. In order to bring optimism and hope into a ravine, the centers are distinguished by a wide range of colors, which are based on traditional fabrics. It should ensure faster assimilation and positive reception by the people. The colors also separate new and old, areas for games, rest and other activities. The goal is to create a strong functioning organism - a center in the core of the colony, connected to the rest of the city, where is better job offer and other activities. This will strengthens community relations, improves living conditions and provide new opportunities (access to education and services).