About This Project

In Concepción, informal urban sprawl and current farming practices are primary drivers for ecological degradation. Reverting these practices requires transforming local socio-economic issues into opportunities. Effective solutions include compacting the built environment, facilitating cooperative food production, and introducing land-efficient polyculture and agricultural techniques. The key is to finance and enable these changes to informal urban settlement in an inclusive and ecologically responsible manner.

Successful ecological and urban densification demand an innovative and comprehensive, socially vibrant, design approach. Only then could dense cities become more desirable and affordable than sprawling development. Where current sustainable design practice falls short, our plans for Concepción show an ecologically oriented urban design that integrates socio-technological and economic infrastructure. This can generate sustainable urban communities through participation and community ownership. Our approach results in restoring and maintaining soil health over substantial areas, generating circular local food supplies, and developing more affordable, attractive, and resilient urban life.

Experts

Project Leader:
Giancarlo Mangone, PhD, M. Arch. Principal, Symbiosis : Sustainable Design + Consulting; Master Urban Planner, BuroHappold Engineering

Project Members:

Rob Cooke, PhD, CEng MEI PQP, Associate Director of Sustainability Group for BuroHappold Engineering
Michael Maks Davis
Janina Sanchez
Andrea Cristina Córdova