Getting Home
Photo credit: Alexandra Gamarra
Many of us have lived through various commuting experiences when trying to get home — taking the subway, walking, biking, driving... No matter what kind of transportation, after a long day of work, we want our ride to be fast, short, and safe.
Now, imagine yourself using any of those transportation methods and then adding a walk equivalent to climbing 28 stories! Exhausting, right?
A neighborhood called San Javier in the West Side of Medellín, Colombia (typically known as Comuna 13), was one of the most forgotten areas in the city for many decades. Located on a hill with an area of approximately 2.703 mi², and with an estimated population of 140,000 residents, access to this place was not only difficult, but almost forbidden. This place was the epicenter of crime and violence for many years. Its population increased rapidly and it was abandoned by the local government.
In contrast with the progressive modern and welcoming infrastructure of Medellín, urban planning for Comuna 13 was not a priority. The neighborhood was purposely isolated from its surroundings. It was a maze of streets and an explosion of houses. The social environment was chaotic, transportation limited, and there was no sense of ownership.
Top Image: “Comuna 13” San Javier Neighborhood, Medellín
Bottom Image: Metropolitan area of Medellín
In 2004, engineers and the local government started to discuss the revitalization of several areas of the city. As many of us know, it is important for city residents to participate in the process of new developments. Neighborhood issues need to be heard, and solutions found that will adapt to their daily lives.
Developers contemplated the innovative idea of building an outdoor escalator that will not only allow residents to access their homes and businesses in a timely manner, but also be the first of many improvements to the area. Some residents worked outside the neighborhood, but surprisingly most had never left, nor had they seen an escalator before or visited a shopping mall or office building!
Talking to the community was not an easy task, according to the government workers. However, residents were excited by the idea of getting home faster, more comfortably, and possibly developing new businesses. They looked forward to seeing it built.
Six covered outdoor escalators assembled in 2011 that ascend approximately 1,260 feet replaced a 30-minute climb of 350 steps with a 5 minute ride. The escalators are close to and accessible by a Metro station and by Metrocable (a gondola system). It is the first portion of an expected larger project, and the first urban mobility system of its kind in Colombia.
It created many jobs, attracted new businesses, improved access to the area, and became one of the most visited places in the city.
After many years of hearing stories about this place, I had the opportunity to visit it back in 2018.
The escalators are neat, constantly cleaned, and supervised. You will find city employees that can provide you guidance and information. An area full of locals and tourists welcomes you — bright colors (what locals call “the colors of peace”) enhance this place. Graffiti, art, music, local souvenir stores, and restaurants surround you. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy great views of the city and share experiences with the locals.
I was amazed to see how an element like this could transform an entire community and contribute to the economy and development of a city. But most importantly, I was glad to see how many people can now get to their homes more comfortably, safer, and faster.
The project is expected to grow into the neighboring vicinities in the next couple of years.
Photo credit: Alexandra Gamarra
Medellín finally got to the soul of this community and slowly opened a gate to a more positive future. These escalators (or revitalization) serve as a great example of innovation and integration.
Medellín, winner of the 2012-2013 Innovative City of the Year