Living Territories: Sustainable Design for Resettlement in Protected Areas at Cali, Colombia | Architecture Thesis on Urban Housing

Site Context

Like many other cities, Cali faces growing pressure on its protected areas due to the expansion of human activities within these zones. This issue threatens the region’s ecological balance and the rich biodiversity it supports.

Cerro de la Bandera Eco Park, one of the city’s most significant hills, spans approximately 57 hectares. In recent years, it has been impacted by rapid population growth, migration, inadequate housing, and limited resources, leading to the emergence of informal settlements in areas that are geographically challenging or unsuitable for construction.

Design Process

Project strategies: To address the challenges of unplanned urban expansion and environmental degradation, this project proposes a set of integrated strategies that restore natural ecosystems, reconnect fragmented green spaces, and promote sustainable living environments. 

1- Recovering Riparian Forests:  This strategy focuses on restoring water bodies affected by human settlements through water purification, bank revegetation, and sustainable water use. Beyond ecological recovery, these revitalized areas serve as public spaces, fostering recreation, community interaction, and environmental awareness.

2- Reconnecting Green Areas and Forest Patches:  By linking fragmented forest areas, this initiative creates ecological corridors that enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and provide recreational spaces. Actions include planting native trees, establishing ecological walkways, and promoting sustainable tourism, strengthening both the environment and community well-being.

3- Rehabilitating Sustainable Environments:  Addressing the challenges of informal settlements, this strategy integrates sustainable housing solutions with environmental stewardship. Key elements include water collection and reuse systems, bioclimatic design for energy efficiency, green and communal spaces, and micro-industry hubs to support the local economy.

Implementation Strategies – Biodiverse Neighborhoods: To create a harmonious balance between urban development and the natural environment, these strategies integrate architecture with the existing landscape, promoting sustainability, functionality, and community well-being.

1- Recognize and Value – Integrate natural elements like steep terrain, vegetation, ponds, and runoff into architectural design while reinterpreting local facades.

2- Terrace and Adapt – Transform sloped land into functional public spaces with stepped terraces that optimize land use and water retention.

3- Integrate with Nature – Orient buildings and pathways to harmonize with the landscape, maximizing views and sunlight exposure.

4- Create Community Spaces – Utilize open areas between structures as shared spaces for urban agriculture, recreation, and social interaction.

The design seeks to integrate urban growth with environmental conservation through a modular housing system that adapts to the terrain. It incorporates agricultural terraces, public spaces, and ecological corridors to restore biodiversity and foster community interaction. Prioritizing sustainability and well-being, the project creates dignified living conditions while harmonizing architecture with nature.

Final Outcome

Living Territories aims to develop strategies that address the challenges of unplanned urban expansion while preserving natural environments at the city’s urban-rural interface. The project contributes to shaping urban policies and practices that balance growth with ecosystem conservation, fostering sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts and promotes coexistence between urbanization and environmental protection.

Additionally, it seeks to establish an interconnected network that enhances the relationship between people and their surroundings, creating a dynamic system that strengthens territorial resilience. This network is envisioned as a living organism that continuously interacts with and adapts to its environment. The project’s ultimate goal is to revitalize areas affected by intense human activity, discourage informal settlements, and promote environmental protection through sustainable practices that can be replicated in similar contexts.

This approach proposes an architectural model that acts as a catalyst for symbiotic relationships between residents, built infrastructure, and the surrounding natural environment. The housing model integrates various interconnected elements, including public spaces designed as agricultural terraces. These terraces play a key role in sustainable agriculture by promoting crop diversity, reducing soil erosion, and preserving fertile land. In turn, they enhance food security for the community and support the local economy through farmers’ markets. Additionally, adaptable spaces are strategically incorporated to accommodate a range of activities, fostering social interaction and strengthening community bonds.

Rather than being confined to small spaces, this architectural model incorporates a spacious modular design to provide dignified living conditions for those who have experienced precarious housing. The homes are designed to foster a strong connection with nature, offering panoramic views, communal spaces, and areas for cultivating diverse plants, all of which enhance residents’ quality of life. Additionally, these homes not only meet essential needs but also contribute to overall physical well-being, creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment.

Conclusion: The project reimagines hillside housing—an integral aspect of the local landscape—as a bridge between urban and rural areas, as well as between planned and informal development. The design adapts seamlessly to the natural topography, using simple yet effective architectural strategies to create dynamic spatial experiences that connect with the surrounding landscape. Ultimately, the project functions as a housing complex that enhances urban quality and inclusivity for all.

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