Urban Residual Space in Latin America: Reframing the Role of Public Space in Colombia

Abstract

The metropolises of the global south are often considered out of rules as a distinct urban “species” while cities of the global north are commonly recognized for their development, organization, and operation. The duality that arises in Latin American cities is between the advancement of its infrastructure and the provision of goods and services. This duality is physically manifested in urban space, as well as the increase of spatial segregation and social inequality. Fragments, patches, archipelagos, and countless denominations that narrow the “disorder” of these cities contrast with the good practices they develop to increase the quality of life of their inhabitants. Life in public space is one of the interrelationships that occur in cities, but in some spaces in Latin American cities are considered fragments and uncertain spaces of the city without defined uses due to the characteristics of some of these spaces. These spaces, specifically in Colombian cities, commonly divide the large areas of poverty with the few areas of wealth, providing greater inequality and socio-spatial segregation. Considering Latin America as the most violent and inequitable region in the world explains why the research of recent decades in these cities has focused on understanding the causes and finding answers to minimize poverty, and inequality. These phenomena will not find the full answers in architecture nor urbanism; however, actions from these two disciplines are required to materialize opportunities for all the cities. Thus, the purpose of the research, based on literature review, methodological terms, and collection of information is reframing the role of public space as a potential for articulation with the deficit of public space and as a tool of urban development.