Urban Sutures: Eco-Regeneration and Urban Reinterpretation of the Vía Expresa Sur | Architecture Thesis

Site Context

The planned route of the future Vía Expresa Sur is already marked by a series of reserved plots and open spaces that have shaped different relationships with the surrounding communities throughout the district’s modern growth. In more socially uniform neighborhoods, these areas have gradually been transformed into linear public spaces—such as parks and sports facilities—that serve as communal hubs.

Meanwhile, in zones marked by greater economic inequality, these same spaces have acted as physical dividers, separating neighborhoods rather than connecting them. However, there’s untapped potential to reimagine these spaces through the strategic use of the Surco River canal, which irrigates city parks and could serve as a key landscape element.

Given this context, the construction of a high-speed road would only deepen existing urban divisions. As a counterproposal, this project envisions transforming the 4-kilometer stretch into a vibrant linear park that offers a mix of recreational, commercial, and cultural activities—many of which are informed by the site’s existing uses. To further encourage social engagement and community cohesion, the design also includes urban amenities like local markets, childcare facilities, and small cultural venues tailored to the needs of nearby residents.

Design Process

A core focus of the project was understanding the existing dynamics within the predominantly residential context. To achieve this, key stakeholders and local activities were identified in order to craft a program that not only encourages social integration at the neighborhood level but is also capable of supporting broader, metropolitan-scale uses. In parallel, the current urban layout was studied to enhance cross-connections and improve access from highways, aligning these interventions with established pedestrian paths and traffic patterns to preserve the continuity of the linear park as much as possible.

The decision to begin with the initial segment of the project was driven by the aim to establish a replicable architectural and urban framework that could be adapted across the entire site. Simultaneously, the design sought to mediate between the park’s metropolitan function and the more personal, day-to-day experiences of the local community, ensuring that the latter wouldn’t be overwhelmed by large-scale urban flows. As such, different spatial forms and lightweight structures were investigated to introduce necessary social and recreational elements while maintaining a subtle footprint within the park.

Final Outcome

The proposal envisions transforming a 1.2 km stretch of highway into a metropolitan linear park that seamlessly blends urban and ecological elements while addressing existing social divisions. By repurposing the Surco River canal for irrigation, the project reactivates the area with urban vineyards and gardens, reinforcing its productive identity. Environmental sustainability is prioritized through the reuse of excavation debris for paving and street furniture, while durable, adaptable materials like timber and stone contribute to long-term resilience.

To mitigate the isolating effects of large-scale infrastructure, the design introduces multifunctional urban facilities aimed at fostering stronger community connections. Bridges, traditionally conceived as transit-only structures, are reimagined as communal spaces that link neighborhoods and house amenities such as markets, childcare centers, and cultural venues—encouraging everyday social engagement. Their lightweight wooden construction preserves the linear continuity of the park while offering a more human scale within the wider metropolitan setting.

More than just expanding public space, the intervention integrates productive and leisure zones to encourage interaction among different social groups. Newly introduced public areas and transversal streets help mend the fractured urban fabric, recasting the highway as an inclusive, multipurpose corridor. By connecting previously overlooked neighborhoods, the project promotes social equity and sparks the emergence of new urban relationships and dynamics.

Conclusion: the project reimagines the highway as a dynamic linear park that bridges ecological, social, and urban systems. Through sustainable design, productive landscapes, and inclusive public spaces, it not only reconnects fragmented neighborhoods but also fosters a stronger sense of community.

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