CULTIVARTE: A Cultural Center at Antioquia that Explores Relationship Between Culture, Architecture and Sustainability | Bachelors Design Project

Site Context

San Pedro de los Milagros, a municipality with 23,573 residents, is deeply connected to its traditions, coffee culture, and social life in public spaces. Its economy revolves around agriculture, livestock, and cultural tourism, making CULTIVARTE a key hub for integrating these sectors. The town envisions a future of balanced progress and innovation.

Known as “The Cultural Gateway of the North,” San Pedro de los Milagros is strategically located at the entrance to the northern subregion, with a well-developed road network supporting mobility. It is also rich in biodiversity and natural resources, with key environmental factors such as land cover, water, air quality, and wildlife influencing its sustainable development.

A strategic project in the municipality aims to strengthen its ecological and cultural significance. The architectural plan includes:

1. Art and culture spaces – galleries, auditoriums, and exhibition halls.
2. Educational and recreational areas – a library, workshops, and multifunctional spaces.
3. Urban connectivity – links to El Hato linear park and the transport terminal.
4. Sustainable commerce – local entrepreneurship stores and traditional gastronomy.

This initiative fosters an intergenerational gathering space, promoting learning, creativity, and local identity as key elements for growth and sustainability.

Design Process

The creation of CULTIVARTE was a collaborative effort guided by a methodology that examined the region, social interactions, and landscape integration. The process began with a territorial assessment, analyzing sociocultural, economic, environmental, regulatory, and spatial aspects to identify opportunities for sustainable development in the municipality.

Building on these insights, the team introduced the concept of ecosystemic centrality, where architecture acts as a bridge connecting culture, nature, and commerce. The design phase incorporated bioclimatic and sustainability strategies—such as green walls, cross ventilation, and locally sourced materials—to ensure harmony with the environment.

Ultimately, a Master Plan was developed with three implementation phases, prioritizing cultural infrastructure and its connection to the natural surroundings. This collective effort resulted in a project that meets local needs while establishing itself as a significant architectural landmark that reinforces the cultural identity of San Pedro de los Milagros.

Final Outcome

CULTIVARTE is a cultural and ecological hub designed to foster social interaction, creativity, and sustainability in San Pedro de los Milagros. Its architectural design features an open and fluid structure that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging engagement and community participation. This integration extends to public areas, linking with the El Hato linear park and establishing urban plazas as communal gathering spots.

The project incorporates innovative bioclimatic strategies such as passive ventilation, solar control, and stabilized earth walls to enhance thermal comfort while minimizing environmental impact. Economically and culturally, CULTIVARTE aims to revitalize the municipality by including commercial spaces, entrepreneurship workshops, and multifunctional auditoriums that enrich artistic and educational opportunities.

Beyond its physical structure, CULTIVARTE serves as a catalyst for urban and cultural renewal, championing a sustainable development model and reinforcing local identity through architecture and the arts.

Conclusion: CULTIVARTE is a visionary project that integrates culture, nature, and community, promoting social interaction and sustainability in San Pedro de los Milagros. With innovative architecture, bioclimatic strategies, and connections to public spaces, it enriches the cultural and economic landscape while strengthening local identity. More than a building, it is a hub for creativity, education, and urban regeneration.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]