Introduction
San Martin de los Andes (SMA, Argentina) economy depends excessively on tourism, and its socio-economic inequality is relevant. Several informal settlements have been formed on the vulnerable steep slopes.
Barrio Cantera is the largest one, and its history remotes to the migration from Chile in the 1970s, escaping from Pinochet’s coup d’état. They have lived without land titling. As not being recognized as urbanized land by the municipality, inadequate urban infrastructure has been implemented. Very close to SMA city center, Barrio Cantera has attracted more and more people, resulting in higher density and a higher risk of natural disaster.
On the other hand, SMA is a beautiful eco-touristic city by the shore of Lake Lacar and surrounded by Lanin National Park. Visitors enjoy skiing in the winter times. It is said that “while the rich enjoy the snow, the poor suffer the snow.” The people of Barrio Cantera have the fear of sliding accidents on the iced slopes in daily access. They are worried about being evacuated in case of emergencies.
Among 782 residents, one-third is from the indigenous group Mapuche, and a considerable part is immigrants from neighboring countries. They have a low level of education and, therefore, limited access to formal jobs. Domestic violence proliferates.
The community has got tired in claiming better living conditions since more than 40 years ago. The negative cycle of social exclusion should be addressed urgently.
Impact
The project of the Informal-formal Bridge contributes to integrating the informal settlement of Barrio Cantera into the city of SMA from the informal initiative.
It is a climbing route of 70 meters high crossing vertically through Barrio Cantera. Two elevators (EV1 lower big and EV2 upper small) and a pedestrian bridge form the route. It will improve the daily accessibility for Barrio Cantera residents and will be used for evacuation in case of emergency. On the other hand, it is integrated into the trekking circuit that ecotourists can enjoy Lanin National Park from SMA downtown.
Thus, the Informal-formal Bridge will be a public space where people of the local community and ecotourists will share. By opening Barrio Cantera to the tourists, small new business opportunities such as food stalls, guest houses, or art craft shops for the community are expected. Ten small businesses are expected by 2030.
The main structure of the bridge-elevator will be made of wood. It is an eco-conscious solution without altering the original soil and the underground water network. The timber members are connected with conventional joints. Residents of informal settlements such as Barrio Cantera used to have experience in the construction sector. The designed structure is open to creative ideas of construction proposed by the local people. Its construction and maintenance process is planned as a capacity building of the local participants. The participatory building of the symbolic Informal-formal Bridge will consolidate their self-reliance and the sense of belonging to Barrio Cantera.
Core team
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Image gallery
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View of the Informal-formal Bridge from San Martin de los Andes city that improves the vertical access to Barrio Cantera
image: OKABE Lab |
some rights reservedi
An inclusive lifestyle and surroundings that opens Barrio Cantera to welcome local residents and ecotourists
image: OKABE Lab |
some rights reservedi
Interior of the pedestrian bridge that will connect the city with Barrio Cantera offering spectacular scenery from the natural surroundings
image: OKABE Lab |
some rights reservedi
Local community and ecotourists sharing the Informal-formal Bridge as a public space
image: OKABE Lab |
some rights reservedi
