Cali

Cali faces a profound urban and environmental challenge rooted in the transformation of its natural waterways. The Eastern Canals, once essential channels for the Lilí, Cañaveralejo, and Meléndez rivers, were redirected in 1970 through the South Interceptor Canal, a decision that significantly altered the city’s hydrology. This intervention, intended to manage water flow and urban expansion, had long-term consequences that were neither fully anticipated nor adequately addressed. The redirection of these rivers disrupted ecosystems, leading to the loss of natural habitats and the forced migration of species. Additionally, it left behind large tracts of fertile land in the Agua Blanca District—land that quickly became occupied by informal settlements.

Without proper planning or infrastructure, these settlements expanded over time, exacerbating issues of flooding, pollution, and social vulnerability. The canals, instead of serving as connectors within the city, became barriers—physical and symbolic—dividing communities and reinforcing patterns of segregation. Public space, which should have functioned as a unifying element, instead deteriorated into neglected, unsafe areas used for waste disposal and informal occupation.

Urban renewal presents a major social challenge: changing perceptions, fostering belonging, and ensuring that revitalized spaces remain accessible and valued by local communities.

This project transforms the Eastern Canals, long seen as barriers, into a continuous 1.2 km pedestrian corridor designed to restore environmental balance, improve public space, and strengthen community ties. Once natural waterways, these canals were redirected in 1970, leaving behind fragmented, unutilized land that became a site of informal settlements and environmental degradation. Through strategic intervention, the project reclaims this space, turning it into a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable urban corridor.

At its core, the design prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, integrating natural, cultural, educational, and sports areas that respond directly to the needs of local residents. Vehicular access is limited to essential services, ensuring that public space remains dedicated to community use. By restoring green areas and enhancing mobility, the intervention not only improves urban conditions but also reinforces social cohesion, creating a safer and more inclusive environment.

A key feature is the creation of shared community spaces, known as «common houses,» strategically placed along the corridor. These spaces serve as gathering points, fostering interaction and engagement. Developed through participatory planning, the project ensures that each intervention reflects the voices and needs of those who will inhabit it, establishing a model for sustainable urban transformation.

The Bulevar de Oriente project is notable for its inclusive approach, which centres on the active participation of local communities throughout all stages of development.

From the initial design workshops to its construction and ongoing operations, community engagement has played a pivotal role. This involvement has not only contributed to the design but also empowered entrepreneurial ventures, ecological initiatives, and other activities that enhance the public space’s value.

The project’s success is rooted in a genuine commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the community, creating a foundation for sustainable urban development. This engagement ensures the long-term use, maintenance, and vitality of the space, while also fostering new dynamics that support the city’s broader sustainability goals. It’s not just about redesigning these areas; it’s about integrating them into the everyday lives of marginalized residents. Successful interventions must strike a balance between ecological restoration and urban equity, ensuring that past wounds are truly healed through inclusive and sustainable development.

Since its completion in December 2023, Bulevar de Oriente has seen significant transformations. More than 12% of the building facades facing the boulevard have been opened, creating more accessible spaces. Along with this, a noticeable increase in local businesses has occurred, and several homeowners are now seeking sponsorships for murals, contributing further to the urban renewal.

The integration of art, culture, and community initiatives has catalysed a robust knowledge exchange platform. By bridging the gap between neighbourhoods, the project has cultivated new social dynamics, such as dance workshops, urban gardens, and cultural events, all of which are supported by local institutions.

A particularly striking feature of the boulevard’s transformation is the 58 murals created by local artists, turning facades into a vibrant gallery of expression.

These murals symbolize the dignity of a marginalized community, providing a space for self-expression, creativity, and collective pride.