Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces - Anatolie Capatina

UNIVERSITAT INTERNACIONAL DE CATALUNYA

Master Course in International Cooperation Sustainable Emergency Architecture

Creating Community Safety by Upgrading Public Spaces Case Study: Villa Hermosa, Medellin, Colombia

Anatolie Căpăţînă

Barcelona 2013

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The thesis topic: Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces Case study: Neighborhoods of Villa Hermosa, Medellin, Colombia.

Abstract This research explores strategies to increase security in ‘’Comuna 8 neighborhood ’’ (VH) of Medellin, Colombia. The issues related to insecurity produces high rate of criminality, violence and social segregation. The fundamental hypothesis of the investigation says that in order to resolve the insecurity problem for the informal settlements, therefore we have to pay attention on social development. This strategy pretends to increase the level of safety when needed to produce more social connectivity in the public spaces of informal settlements. Though, this topic is very current and relevant in the case of informal settlements in the city of Medellin. Taking into account the importance of the actual problem it becomes more important the involvement of local authorities in developing social architecture and urban planning projects.

Abbreviations and Acronyms 

US – Urban Safety

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UN Habitat – United Nations Habitat

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SD – Social Development

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VPUU – Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading

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SCP – Social Crimes Prevention

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UIS – Upgrading Informal Settlements

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WB – World Bank

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VH – Villa Hermosa

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IPS – Improved Public Space

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NIPS – Non-Improved Public Space

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Acknowledgments I want to thank to all that have directly or indirectly contributed to this goal.

I take this opportunity to offer my thanks to all the professors of ESARQ-UIC for the given suggestions, comments and support regarding the achievement of this thesis master.

I want to thank professor Catalina Ortiz Arciniegas from Universidad Nacional de Colombia with headquarter in Medellin, for her support and guidelines regarding literature and extremely necessary key aspects in the local context.

I express my sincere thanks the community leader Rubyselen Ortiz Sanchez for all given support regarding the achievements from territory as well the specific information, extremely necessary regarding thesis context.

Gratitude to all colleagues that contributed with comments and suggestions.

I would like to thank to all the local natives from Medellin, Colombia that have taken part from this great experience.

I also express my heartfelt thanks to professor Pere Vall that always supervised me during the research process, giving suggestions, support, corrections and extremely necessary guidelines in the fairness of the thesis aspects.

I express my heartiest thanks to my beloved family, who has continuously supported me and gave me confidence in what I do

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Great thankfulness to my Parents

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Table of content Abstract ....................................................................................................................................3 Abbreviations and Acronyms ……………………………………………………………………………………………...3 Acknowledgments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...4 Table of content ……………………………………………………………………………….…………………..…………….6 The significance of thesis ………………………………………………………………………………………….………...8 The hypothesis …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….…...…..10 The research question ……………………………………………………………………………………..…….…….……10 The objective ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...……..11 The methodology ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….….11 Chapter description ………………………………………………………………………………….………………..….…..12 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………...………13

Chapter 1. The relationships between activities, safety and public spaces Chapter

1.1.

Crime

and

violence

prevention

on

approaching

……………………………………………...………….………..14

Chapter 1.2. The social capital …………………………………………………………………………………..….…..16 Chapter 1.3. The public spaces …………………………………………………………………………………….…….17 Chapter 1.4. The relationship between public spaces and social capital ……………….…….….…18 Chapter 1.5. The relationship between public spaces improvement and security policies ……………………………………………………………………………………….………….…….20 Chapter 1.6. The local street as a main public space ………………………………………..……………...22

Chapter 2. The research of two types of public spaces from Villa Hermosa, Medellin, Colombia.

Chapter 2.1. The improved public space……………………………………………………………..…..…….24 Chapter 2.1.1. Diagnosis ………………………………………………………………………………..…...….24 Chapter 2.1.1.1. The activities and actors in public space ……………………………………..…..….24 Chapter 2.1.1.2. The morphological, social and economic aspects of space …………...…….29 Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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Chapter 2.1.1.3. The safety ……………………………………………………………………………………….…..40 Chapter 2.1.2. Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………..….….…..41

Chapter 2.2. The non-improved public space ………………………………………………………………..42 Chapter 2.2.1. Diagnosis ………………………………………………………………………………………..42 Chapter 2.2.1.1. The activities and actors in public space …………………………………….……....42 Chapter 2.2.1.2. The morphological, social and economic aspects of space …….…………...45 Chapter 2.2.1.3. The safety ……………………………………………………….…………………………....……55 Chapter 2.2.2. Conclusions …………………………….……………………………………………………...57

Chapter 3. The comparison Chapter 3.1. The activities and actors in the public spaces …………………………………….....…..57 Chapter 3.2. The morphological, social and economic aspects of space …………..…….….…..59 Chapter 3.3. The safety ………………………………………………………………………………………….…...…64

Chapter 4. Providing guidelines for NIPS Chapter 4.1. Activities ……………………………………………………………………………………………66 Chapter 4.1.1. Necessary activities …………………………………………………………………………..…...66 Chapter 4.1.2. Optional and social activities ……………………………………………………………..…..72 Chapter 4.2. Design ………………………………………………………………………………………….…...78 Chapter 4.2.1. Open space …………………………………………………………………………………….….… 78 Chapter 4.2.2. Built space ……………………………………………………………………………………….…...86

Final remarks ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...88 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..89

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The significance of thesis Excluded from the city’s opportunities, physically, politically and economically marginalized, informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to crime and violence. They face an acute risk of becoming victims or offenders and live in a state of constant insecurity.

From the very start, these conditions should be the number-one concern of any upgrading project. Put it in another way, the safety of slum dwellers cannot be taken as an incidental consequence of the upgrading of their neighborhoods. Rather, it must be considered an explicitly planned outcome of upgrading. The most important problems are the high rate of criminality, violence and social segregation. These are the three most negative roles that stand in the way of community development.

Since the 1980s and 1990s, the homicide rate in Medellin has been over the national average. For nearly 20 years the city has experienced a complex situation regarding social and safety issues due to dynamics associated with drug trafficking and urban guerrillas.

Consequently it led to a homicide rate of 381 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1991 that was considered the highest in world wide. It was also far in excess of the national average. It is unexpected the fact that from then until now, insecurity has been one of the most widespread concerns of the natives of Medellin. The city experienced an emergence of parallel orders headed by irregular armed groups such as bands and gangs. The 1980s was a decade “in which converged many different forms of violence, expressed in private justice groups and gangs of organized crime, per-payment killers, popular militias, violence against property and from the property, which makes many analyst and academics declare, not only the existence of a generation without a future, but also of a city without a future 1”. During the 1990s the city emerged as an arena for political confrontation between guerrillas and paramilitaries, “that blurred the boundaries between criminal organizations linked to the illegal economy, armed groups with communitarian roots and the hierarchical units of the guerrillas and paramilitaries2”. In this deteriorating scenario, social and political citizenship disappeared from the public spaces and people confined themselves behind locked doors just to survive. The created deep cracks and disparities among those parts of the population 1 2

Granda and Ramirez , 2001 Giraldo, 2007 Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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could not find neighborhoods with adequate spaces for recreation and coexistence. The turning point came in 2002, which led to a faster reduction in levels of crime and violence. In the period between 2002-2005 coordinated and integrated actions of the central and local levels allowed the de-escalation of armed conflict and urban indicators which resulted a significant improvement in safety and in tackling of murderous violence.

In its MDP, called ‘’Medellin, a commitment of all citizens ’’, security and peaceful coexistence were one of the main components of the program called ‘’ Medellin, good governance and participation’’. In the sections of the city which supported the MDP, violence was cited as one of the most serious existing problems and the taking measures included a whole component on safety. This involved the management of public space for living transformation and modernization of security agencies and justice, violence prevention, care for the prison population and a peaceful program that supported the demobilization process of the members of illegal armed groups and their reintegration into society. It is important to mention that the focus on security and co-existence was part of a program that also included civic culture, citizen participation and institutional development.

Among the programs implemented were Youth with Future, METROJUVENTUD, Peace and Reconciliation Program, Victims of Conflict Program and Aggression Prevention Network.

The MDP defined as its main objective, “to promote human development for all the people in Medellin, especially in informal settlements. It means the strengthening of the capabilities, opportunities and freedom of citizens’’. This objective could be achieved through the implementation of a good governance and participation, social inclusion, productivity and competitiveness, a community for reconciliation and integration with the region and the world. The Good Governance and Participation Component were designed to face more main problems. One of them is the lack of legitimization of the state. It is expressed in corruption, distrust in the public entities and lack of civic culture and non-recognition of the cultural diversity. To face this problem, the actions led to developing a new citizenship with a social ethic, to promote a cultural development, to guarantee the exercise of people’s participation and to strengthening governance3 .

3

Confluence of Safety and Urban Policies (2004 - 2007). Medellin’s Municipal Development Plan.

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Therefore the thesis topic seems to be very important in this context of related problems and aspects. The research proposes to show a way of solving the problem dealing with high rate of crimes and insecurity of communities, through a strategy through public spaces development. It offers an overview of the main consideration to be taken into account in solving these issues in the informal settlements. There are some major differences between regions, countries in terms of challenges posted by crimes and insecurity that are very important to adapt the strategies to the local contexts, described above.

Hence, the thesis will present a strategy for increasing the level of safety through the relationship between social capital, public spaces and social cohesion. These aspects seem to be more strong linked in this context, if we consider that the insecurity comes as a result of degraded or unused public spaces and the lack of social cohesion.

The hypothesis The basic hypothesis of the thesis pretends that to increase the safety and security in informal settlements it is strictly necessary to implement strategies on social capital development. This involves the increasing level of social cohesion, residents' participation at public life through harnessing and recovering of public spaces. This is possible using strategies that are based on the relationship between public spaces and community needs.

Finally, putting accent on social capital development, regarding changing perception on community and power of public life, it could consolidate a community and its sense, regardless of age, ethnicity and social economic status.

The research question The thesis approaches two main questions: ďƒ˜ Which are the relationships between safety, social capital and public space? ďƒ˜ How does types of activities and characteristics influence on public space, such as the way of using by community?

The theoretical and practical part of the research explores the aspects at local scale. It Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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analyzes the case study of Villa Hermosa, Medellin, Colombia.

The objective The specific objective of the research is to provide a set of guidelines related to activities and design characteristics for the sense of public space, being common with local context, socio cultural identity, desires and needs of community, better social cohesion and activities of public life. The provided guidelines could be used by local authorities, architects, urban developers and planners, creating a sense of place, sense of belonging, necessary in the situation of high crimes rate, violence and insecurity of community.

The methodology The research possesses different literature and materials. This information is based on official documents of local authorities, blogs, international organizations, official web-sites, etc. In the same time it has been analyzed by the official reports about the criminality and violence from reports of Local Authorities. Also, for a better understanding, it has been reviewed by the reports of UN Habitat about the safety and criminality in the informal settlements and its role in community development. An important role in this investigation had the local authorities of Medellin and their projects and reports. The departments of Social Development, Security, Risk Management and Disaster Emergency were helpful for official statistics and guidelines. A very important aspect was the real possibility to do interviews directly in this community.

The role of neighborhood leaders was very important in the context of the case study.

They suggest a lot of information about the types of public spaces, their usage by the community, the neighborhood's demographic structure, perception, etc.

Also, the study over VH during the internship in Medellin, presented a better concept about public spaces, types, usage, community relations - public spaces, actors.

To

understand the role of the theoretical part, in the practical part of the research it has been analyzed by two types of public spaces. The first example is an improved public space. The second example is a non-improved public space. Each of these cases, explore the space, actors, mode of action, community activities, safety, social cohesion, demographic structure, etc. The study is followed by a made comparison between two types of spaces in order to

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determine the role of public spaces in community development, attachment of community on public spaces and how it can increase the community safety through their use.

The end of thesis includes approaches related to the use of public space, the activities necessary depending on community opinions, culture, traditions, and design of space for relating to provided guidelines linked by activities and design codes. It promotes and produces the social cohesion, participation of community at public life through various types of proposed activities.

Chapter description Chapter 1 The first chapter provides a theoretical approach to the problem. Here are studied the most important problems and approaches linked to safety and typologies of studied public spaces in Villa Hermosa. The following chapter is approached by the relationship and meaning of interaction between social capital, public space and security of community.

Chapter 2 Chapter two of is related to the case study. There are analyzed two types of public spaces. For each of them is made the diagnosis and conclusion on aspects of activities, type, social cohesion, morphology, demographic situation of the area using these spaces. This information is useful for the third chapter of research.

Chapter 3 The third chapter of the research presents a very important comparison by the studied types of public space. Its role is to specify the target result of the activities, morphologies, users and aspects of safety. These aspects present the importance of improved public spaces over the level of safety and security, public interpersonal interactions and activities.

Chapter 4 The last chapter is the most important of the thesis. Here are provided guidelines for the aspects of design and activities in investigated public space. These are done as a result of made comparison in third chapter. These guidelines are provided in concordance with the Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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aspects of creating safety for community, using public spaces and reinforcing the social cohesion in the public space.

Introduction Situational crime prevention is a strategy which tries to reduce the opportunity for crime by increasing the risks and decreasing the rewards of committing crime (Clarke 1995).

The approach is based on the case study of Villa Hermosa district, in Medellin, Colombia.

Through analysis of offense patterns in their community and the social context of criminal and violence events, the situation can be altered to make it less likely that a motivated offender will commit a crime. The situational perspective has received a very strong empirical support than any other prevention strategy. Situational approaches and tactics should therefore be more systematically included in initiatives that designed to reduce crime and victimization in a comprehensive manner.

There are at least five main important types of crime prevention strategies 4. 

Social Capital



Situational Prevention



Community Crime Prevention Programs



Legislative/Administrative Programs

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Police Programs The safest communities are those that take a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and use a combination of different kinds of programs.

Increasing the safety of the community, it is necessary to analyze the way and the actors that cause insecurity. At the same time, the solution of how to address the problem it is directly related to the environment in which it appeared. There are various strategies to prevent crime and violence, either through legal action or social action. Legal actions have short-term effect. Social action that prevents crime and violence in the community requires a much broader approach. However, sustainable development of the community can

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Situational Crime Prevention, page 141. www.prevention-crime.ca Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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provide social strategies by changing the mentality and perception of community actors. In this way, the importance of strategies to increase the security of communities on a longterm has a lasting effect that is even more stringent than necessary. In this situation, a strategy based on social capital development is an approach that requires and provides a long-term effect. Taking into account that in VH the major population is characterized being social-vulnerable, that need to help poorer and affected population with a low level of life remains as fundamental to human development goals. Thus, the thesis research aims to study this aspect putting accent on social capital development, being the main strategy on crime and violence prevention.

Social Capital strategy, seeks to reduce the number of motivated offenders by changing the social and physic conditions that contributes to crimes and violence.

In the context of changing and improving the social and physical environment, it is necessary that the spaces in which actors interact to have a friendly and calm appearance, with beneficial situations to prevent insecurity. This argument comes in the context of the thesis research, in which public spaces of Villa Hermosa, represent areas with poor quality in terms of the morphological characteristics. This makes them almost unusable by the community, but in the same time being so necessary for the development of social capital and community consolidation through social interactions and common activities.

In this way the research detain three main key notions related to the context. These are prevention of crimes and violence, public spaces and social capital.

Chapter 1.1. Crime and violence prevention on approaching Politicians and many members of the public paid more attention on increasing penalties than prevents crime despite a large body of research demonstrating that locking people up is not a cost-effective way of reducing crime. Situational approaches have also suffered from the fact that many criminologists have not been comfortable with a theoretical perspective that did not focus on offenders and victims, but rather on the situational context. Many practitioners and academics have viewed social development as the only acceptable way of preventing crime. They have gone from the reasonable position that society needs to do something about the root causes of crime to the not so reasonable position that social development programs are the only ones that should be funded. In fact, developmental and

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situational approaches are complementary. We can distinguish between ‘criminal involvement’ and ‘criminal events’ (Clarke 1995). Criminal involvement relates to criminal careers and is appropriately addressed by social development approaches. Criminal events are short-term acts that may be more appropriately addressed by situational prevention.

Furthermore while there is evidence that social development programs can be effective, these programs can be very complex and costly, very difficult to implement, and their success is far from certain.

In some respects the distinction between situational and social development approaches may be artificial. Situational strategies may actually play a critical role in the social development of communities. Thus, each situation has different approaches related to history, local culture, place evolution, and environment. In these conditions, VH being characterized like a dangerous neighborhood, with drug traffickers, violence and abusive situations, needs to get unique strategies related to affected population, types of victims, etc. In this context the importance of culture is extremely necessary5. They feel that a culture of violence has grown up in some communities because of the emergence of violent street drug markets, particularly those associated with crack cocaine. Young people growing up in such communities will find violence very difficult to resist. In these circumstances, creating a safe, orderly environment is necessary the first step toward changing the neighborhood. In many high crime and socially disorganized communities, situational and police strategies may actually be vital components of a social development strategy. A study6 showed that improving street lighting reduced crime significantly in a public housing project compared to a control project where the lighting was not changed. Not only did crime go down, but residents reported feeling much safer, and the pedestrian traffic increased.

Somewhat surprisingly, rather than congregating at the nearby poorly-lighted control estate, the numbers of young people who gathered at night in the experimental estate actually increased significantly. Thus the improved lighting helped to strengthen the social capital of the estate and to reduce crime. Situational strategies can serve as the catalysts needed to

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Moore, Mark and Michael Torny 1998, Youth violence: Crime and Justice, Volume 24. Chicago: University of Chicago Press 6 David P. Farrington and Brandon C. Welsh. Effects of improved street lighting on Crime: a systematic view. Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate .August 2002

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initiate a ‘’virtuous cycle’’ of prevention that can lead to changes that would be categorized as social development.

Comprehensive strategies deliver an integrated series of programs by coordinating the efforts of a broad range of partners and participants. Comprehensive planning for crime prevention emphasizes the need for a detailed understanding of the problem grounded in knowledge of the social and physical environment in the local neighborhoods in which the problem occur the financial and human resources available to respond to the problem.

This approach also demands the need for a coordinated approach for developing and implementing solutions and the evaluation of the results.

Chapter 1.2. The social capital The idea of social capital is particularly concerned with the cultivation of god well, fellowship, sympathy and social intercourse among those that make up a social unit. The community environment must be a place of transactions, encounters, festivities. Its spaces must not only reflect these functions, but they must provide a stage upon which they can be visibly enacted. In its simplest and most concise form, social capital is the connection between divergent groups in heterogeneous societies that lead to the sustaining operations of a country or society. Sometimes is easier to appreciate social capital by its absence or presence.

The first systematic contemporary analysis of social capital was produced by Pierre Bourdieu, who defined the concept as ‘’ aggregate of the actual or potential resources which are linked to possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual recognition’’7. Robert Putnam argues that physical capital refers to objects and human capital refers to the proprieties of individuals. Within these networks the critical norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness arise to establish the foundations for a cohesive society. A society of many virtuous but isolated individuals is not rich in a social capital point of view.

The World Bank uses the term social capital to refer to institutions, relationships and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society’s social interactions. ‘’ Social capital is

7

Bourdieu Pierrw. The forms of capital. In Richards, John. Ed., Handbook of theory and research for the sociology of Education. New York: Greewood Press, 1986, 248

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not just the sum of institutions which underpin a society – it is the glue that holds them together ’’. Social capital can be seen as a stock of active connections among people that build trust, an appreciation for different perspectives and needs and shared values. Those shared values that bind the members of human networks and communities to a society and make cooperative action possible. As social beings, individuals produce their own life, safety, security, consciousness and world that create their personal social space. An individual’s personal space is shaped and determined by the social fabric that plays an important role in drawing the characteristics of the space. The social space contains a great diversity of social objects which facilitate the exchange of material things and information.

There are several benefits of social capital. First, social capital allows citizens to resolve collective problems more easily. People will be more successful if they cooperate. Secondly, social capital allows communities to advance. Thirdly, social capital widens each group’s an each individual’s awareness in many ways in which their interests and intertwined with others. Fourthly, those individuals who interlace with others can go through their associations and become more tolerant, less cynical and more empathetic to the needs of others.

Social capital, however, has had a great effect in assisting societies and individuals to reshape their contemporary lives image to reflect moral harmony that produced strong social relationships.

Chapter 1.3. The public spaces A public space can be considered public only when it is accessible to all, indifferent of social status, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical abilities or income level. However this can lead to definitive multiple questions, given to public spaces where sometimes, are not one hundred percent accessible to all.

There are several critical questions surrounded by the meaningful of public spaces. How do public spaces support public culture and outdoor life? How does public space affect people’s overall experience and satisfaction of living in a community? What role do public spaces play in what has come to call ‘’ Life between buildings ‘’ (Gehl 1987)? How can public spaces be best designed and managed to satisfy human needs, safety and expectations?

These concerns point to the need to expand theory and improve the practice in a public

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space design or management. One of the most important aspects of public space is its quality. It is attracting considerable attention. At the same time, people are using existing and new public spaces in increasing numbers. As a result, the relationship of public spaces to the quality of public life has attracted intense interest on the part of public officials, researchers, designers and citizens8.

Public spaces are participatory landscapes. Through human action, visual involvement and the attachment of values, people are directly involved in public spaces. People claim places through feeling and actions. The public realm is publically perceived, valued, and controlled landscape. Lennards (1984) pointed out that ‘’ a public space is at once both stage and theatre, for in public the spectators may at any moment choose to become actors themselves. Successful public spaces accentuate the dramatic qualities of personal and family life. They make visible certain tragic, comic and tender aspects of relationships among friends, neighbors, etc. ‘’ It is a direct or symbolic human involvement that invites an examination of control as a critical element of the values attached to urban spaces.

The auto control of the community over public space is a psychological construct and participation concept reviewed to point to the individual and social benefits of perceived and real control in public environment. Also the quality of public spaces could be presented like having five main aspects that include: presence, use and actions, appropriation, modification and disposition. Their relevance is discussed in terms of public-space quality.

Public spaces reflect people’s identity, culture, private benefits and public values.

Public space is the common ground where civility and our collective sense are developed and expressed. The public environment serves as a reflection or mirror of individual behaviors, social process.

Chapter 1.4. The relationship between public spaces and social capital The participation in cultural or economic activities can have positive consequences for societal stability. The importance of participation in activities with others as a response to the isolation created by modern society is an indirect reference to the value of social capital.

There is an obvious connection from this line of reasoning to the value of incorporating minorities into mainstream activities where the retard isolation and destructive actions 8

Hiss 1987, Levine 1984

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would reduce social cohesion for a society. Isolated individuals gain less from a society’s existence and consequently have less to lose from its dissolution. As a result, creating avenues and opportunities for activities that span the social boundaries of groups creates the possibility of a built social capital that minimizes disruptive action. Social capital are socio-cultural bonds that can include the cultivation of good will, fellowship, sympathy and social intercourse among minorities and the majority group in a country that make it possible for a nation-state to be recognized as both legitimate and sovereign. On this way planners have to be conscious of the forces that drive groups inward increasing their social isolation and focus on land uses that facilitate interactions between disparate groups. Public space must become the place where speech becomes a catalyst to reshape social relationships. Designing or providing guidelines related to design of public space, is extremely necessary to think spaces like encouraging social collective activities (not isolated) and social life (beyond the boundaries of one’s ethnic, religious or economic group). Public spaces have the potential to bring people into contact with each other if the space designed with a purpose on beauty and activity. Public space has to become a place where people enjoy spending their free time and share their common interests with others in that space.

This interaction gives these public spaces the ethnical and aesthetic power to build the social capital that underscores the stability of society, its common threads and interests, without destroying the uniqueness of any group.

There are several different patterns of social relationships that occur in public spaces, and hence these need to be understood. In this concept, there are different ways that public space matter to people. A sense of belonging and the concrete experience of social networks can bring great benefits to people. Usually in high social capital areas public spaces are cleaner, people are friendly and the streets are safer. Places have higher crime rates because people do not participate in community organizations, do not supervise younger people, and are not linked to community and friends9. However, the problem becomes more complex when beyond theory of relationship, it is accepted that in a society there is a diversity of interest, perhaps contradictory. Sometimes the condition of a theory doesn’t cross with practical one. In this case, it is not enough to increase the relevance and effective public decisions, but also to determine the production of public spaces. This happens if for example 9

Putnam, 2000: 289

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there is class struggle for public space. This is met abundantly in the case of VH, when the community can not establish boundaries neighborhoods or the use of public space around the borders of the district. Background several studies of the relationship between public space and social capital should consider that decisions about public space reflects the social contradictions, and which was originated not because of public spaces, but because they are present in other areas. Regardless of the allocation and use of public space, social and cultural capital increase the material and moral reflections in the space created.

Strengthening communication and trust their neighbors can achieve enough in a place like a sidewalk wide and protected, or whenever possible dialogue between individuals, making rides, activities or transition areas. Also experienced youth or children in using public spaces, generate most cases affection towards them, resulting not only in the interest of preserving them, but also in learning, exchange of information, such as contributing to capital formation.

At best, public spaces are micro-cosmos of urban life, offering excitement and repose, markets and public ceremonies. They provide a place to meet friends and watch how the world goes by.

Chapter 1.5. The relationship between public spaces improvement and security policies The local authorities10 established a vigorous social inclusion policy as the centerpiece of the municipal development plan for 2004-2007, based on an approach known as “social urbanism”11. It recognizes and values urban development and provides flexible mechanisms to bring these up to “normal” urban standards, while keeping permanently in touch with local needs and demands through community consultation mechanisms. To meet this challenge, the municipality launched a pilot integrated urban intervention which involved both large-scale social investment as well as physical upgrading12. As indicated, a key attribute of social urbanism in Medellin (Villa Hermosa) is demanding standards for quality urban design and project management efficiency, as well as its ability to respond adequately to specific and complex needs of households affected by social exclusion.

Integrated urban interventions developed along these guidelines, which have proved, in the 10

The local authorities of Medellin Informalidad y urbanismo social en Medellin. Alejandro Echeverri Restrepo and Francesco M. Orsini 12 Programa Mejoramiento Integral de Barrios Municipio de Medellin (PRIMED). http://agora.unalmed.edu.co/docs/PLAN-MIB.pdf 11

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case of Medellin, to be successful as a crime prevention strategy that effectively contributes to the well-being of socially excluded households, encourages pro social behavior, improves trust and community integration in high risk neighborhoods and reduces opportunities and incentives for offending. This is a basic prior condition to guarantee the safety and security of the municipal program and project personnel responsible for establishing the initial rapport with local households. Previous negative experiences of households dealing with government agencies due to the latter’s poor ability keep their commitments in the context of socially excluded neighborhoods, making a critical success factor for the integral urban intervention approach. The proper functioning of these local mechanisms is critical for reinforcing trust in the process, as well as the permanent involvement of households in decision-making about the allocation, contracting, and supervision of local public investment, including the selection of local candidates for non-qualified labor jobs.

Urban interventions or public space improvement as a crime prevention strategy can not by itself guarantee that urban crime and violence will not reemerge, as recent events in Medellin have shown. Persistent factors such as drug trafficking and an overabundant supply of jobless youth misled by criminal role models, will continue to fuel the factional violence which is currently responsible for the increasing murder rate in the city. Yet public spaces, has laid the groundwork to build communities with greater capacity to resist renewed and uncontested subordination to illegal groups and criminal organizations. Community leaders, public programs and project managers, local government officials, together with police and justice authorities, are well aware that allowing the social and physical gains achieved through integral urban interventions to erode, can lead to stagnation and the reversal of the process of social inclusion. Therefore, the present adversity has fostered cohesion among multiple actors who are committed to avoid apathy and to build trust in neighborhoods affected by social exclusion in the past. Community is mobilizing to protect those at risk of being drawn into the spiral of factional violence, and neighbors are increasingly informing police authorities of the whereabouts of factional ringleaders that are fuelling violence in the city. The investment that already made in this successful strategy is now supporting local government’s resolve to continue investing in the policy of social inclusion.

Public space improvements are rooted within the social and equity dimension of sustainability and represent a key entry point for sustainable social development in the

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framework of sustainable urbanization. Urban safety and the tool of choice for its promotion (violence and crime prevention), build more equitable communities based on solidarity and human rights. Insecurity has strong and crucial relations with sustainable urban development. The following principles have been identified with a view to achieve safety through urban planning, design and management: integration and desegregation (where the efforts to combat crime assume a common responsibility for all and not simply the police); participation and ownership (where community participation in crime prevention initiatives fosters a sense of solidarity, collective social development and provides a more sustainable response to insecurity).

Chapter 1.6. The local street as a main public space

Why the street?

This was the first and most important question, when I chose for research the local street as public space. In this regard, there are at least four reasons behind this choice which was made.

First, comparing with parks and squares, the streets are mostly used public space in both cities as well as in informal settlements. Here are happening daily, the most intense joint activities of the society. Here is made the major effect of social cohesion and public life.

If parks and squares are only used regularly by the community, having as a purpose recreation, socialization, then the streets are spaces used daily by the community, regardless of the scope of activities, voluntary or involuntary. Thus it becomes a perfect place in the production and development capital.

Secondly, the streets are already created spaces. They do not require additional space to be created, compared with parks and squares, which consume space such dense as in VH. Thirdly, for better social cohesion, the space ends a particular interest in society possess attractiveness, identity, comfortable, it is necessary that it will be provided with some functions for servicing society. These would be the commercial, administrative, etc.

Moreover, these conditions are or can be met or placed in the ground floor of existing residential buildings as well as posting, libraries, terraces, commercial activities (photo 1). As Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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a result, compared to parks or squares, streets consumption does not require extra space or any other additional resources.

The importance of the fourth reason represents the purpose and use of the streets at different scales. So if thoroughfares or utility corridors are intended more for public and private transport, in order to make transit connections, then the local streets and pedestrian corridors represent and are understood more at pedestrian scale. Flow amount of people in order to create social capital in local public spaces becomes indispensable.

Photo 1. Place for commercial and social activities in Villa Hermosa. Source: www.medellin.gov.co

In other words the street is an element that is a vital source of life and commercial activities as was mentioned. This element can also work as a stage, market and playground, yet maintaining its primary function of movement, transit, orientation and connectivity. The infrastructure of the streets can work in conjunction with the building, the architecture embraces, social and urban qualities, resulting in a structure that breaks away from the idea of the building object and the conceptions of what we perceive architecture, urbanism and planning should be. By that, the street is re-envisioned in a different way than usual. This facilitates mobility and interaction between all parts of the city. The street was considered in

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the past as a small universe that represents the history and visitors that are presented in a condensed form in the character of the community and form a whole. The street has a high use perform different functions, largely due the commercial growth, but also that people simply cross the space, not necessarily to buy. Although the main function of a street is about people and transport flow and allow easier connections between streets and pedestrian streets are which functions remain only transit for passengers plus commercial and recreational activities. They take the role of resting, relaxing, meeting. Streets gain great importance in areas where public spaces such as parks, squares are almost nonexistent. This type of street will be studied in our case, in VH. Often this type is accompanied by commercial and social service, located at the ground floor of dwelling houses. The reason of placement at the ground floor houses is that it generates intensity use, street activities, which usually are related to the communication with other people.

Chapter 2. The research of two types of public spaces from Villa Hermosa, Medellin, Colombia.

Chapter 2.1. The improved public space Chapter 2.1.1. Diagnosis Chapter 2.1.1.1. The activities and actors in public space

Analyzing and evaluating situations that characterize most streets undergone modernization in the Villa Hermosa, was concluded that the 9th street in Las Estancias neighborhood is a representative model that characterizes a modernized street in Villa Hermosa (photo 2).

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th

Photo 2. The 9 street, Las Estancias neighborhood, Villa Hermosa, Medellin. Source: Author

This occurs because of the many features that meet their social, economic, physical, but also in terms of actors and activities that gives community the sense of place. The 9th street from the Las Estancias neighborhood is one of the few streets in Villa Hermosa upgraded.

There is a comprehensive plan of the local government on the modernization and development of several streets at local level as also as to the entire system of public spaces and entrances that would facilitate mobility and punching the urban sector. However local administration accentuates maximum efforts in changing the environment of these neighborhoods and public spaces. Most of the interventions in Villa Hermosa in terms of public spaces and streets are upgraded in the south-east. This is due because both major phenomenon of social segregation in this area, as well as the vulnerability which is subject population in terms of social security and violence. The 9th street represents an extremely important public space for the community that lives so close (people on both sides of the street) as well as of those who live in it neighborhood. This is largely due to two issues. The first aspect is related to the many activities that take place within it. The second fact is its modernization, which is an attractive and a real convenience to the community, compared to other streets in this neighborhood. This street has become the most populated and intense in terms of transit but also as activities13, in 2009 (when it was modernized). Over the course of years, more and more activities are intensifying due to the massive presence of people, generated as a result of modernization and comfort given. Another important factor 13

Given information by Community Leader

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is the existence of a big variety of actions, as well as the underdevelopment of other streets that are not found in a wide variety of services and facilities. Meanwhile it has become the primary public space for the community, even having role as community center. In this street the types of activities are divided into three main groups as follows (Figure 1). 

Necessary activities



Optional activities



Social activities

Necessary activities - Transit - Commercial - Proper

Optional activities

Social activities

- Intellectual

- Cultural

- Recreational

- Collective - Sport

th

Figure 1. The variety of actions on 9 street. The Las Estancias neighborhood, Villa Hermosa, Medellin.

Source: Author

The importance of these types of activities is related to many factors such as activity time, day, type, type of users, etc. If both the necessary and optional types of activities occur every day, then social activities happen periodically. In the 9th street there are several types of activities. These depend on their character. (table 1)

Types Necessary

Character Transit

Day 7/7

Time 24/24

Commercial

7/7

7-24

Proper

7/7

24/24

Type of user Residents and neighbors Residents and neighbors Residents

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Optional

Social

Intellectual

7/7

8-22

Recreational

-

9-24

Cultural

Occasionally

9-24

Collective

Occasionally

9-24

Sport

Occasionally

9-24

Residents and neighbors Residents and neighbors Residents and neighbors Residents and neighbors Residents and neighbors

th

Table 1. Type and character of activities on 9 street. Source: Author

The nature of the activities that happen in this space is very diverse, predominantly economic, from grocery stores up to internet cafe. The following present the number and nature of the activities that happen within it (table 2). Considering the number and variety of activities we can easily realize the intensity of activities that are interposed in space and over residents.

Type Commercial

Character Clothing store Grocery store Hairdressers Xerox and Photo service Store (fruits and vegetables) Restaurant and terraces Dental office Ceremonies service Smithy

Number 4 5 2 3 3 7 1 1 2

Proper Transit

Residents Neighbors Car Bus People

Intellectual Cultural

Internet cafe Concerts, festivals

Sport

Ball games

about 350 about 700-800 about 150/daily about 4550/daily about 1000/daily 2 about 1-2 /monthly about 12/monthly

Table 2. The number and character of activities. Source: Author

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Another aspect which characterizes the importance of this street is the actors that interact with the space and activities. Thus, they are grouped into several types, such as: Users, Owners of space, Public Officials. Also as in the case of activities, a key aspect is the day in which they interact with the space, structure and type of population. These issues are submitted, below (table 3).

Type Users

Structure Residents Neighbors

Number Adults – about 70% Children 30 % Adults – about 70% Children 30 %

Time 24/24

7-23 about 90 % 23-7 about 10% 24/24 7/21

Owner s

Residents

about 350

Public official s

Police Members of local administr ation, Secretarie s, etc

About 60/daily About 1/ monthly

7-21

Day 7/7 7/7 7/7 7/7

Role Necessary, Optional, Proper Necessary, Optional, Proper Necessary, Optional, Social Social, Optional

7/7 7/7

Necessary

7/7 Festi vals Conc ert

Security Messages, Social projects

24/24 7-21

Table 3. The actors of space. Source: Author

The variety and wide range offered by them has led to usage of space by different actors. It is used either voluntarily or involuntarily. In involuntary terms, this space is used daily for transit activities or activities of actors who live in close proximity and the transit of this space becomes normal or involuntary. In voluntary terms the space is used to satisfy certain needs. Thus, these and profitable services, consciously using the space that interact with all kinds of actors, creating the interpersonal connectivity, communication, relationship and the possible establishment of close interpersonal relationships. However, taking into account the aspects that characterize activities in public spaces but also actors, their Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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interaction occurs mostly in the second half of the day. About 70% of respondents on the territory said that great activities and personal interactions occur after hour 14-15, when potential players begin to return home from their jobs. An important relationship in this public space it is the number of individuals in relation to different types of activities. This is important to specify the importance of each type of business and how to relate with all types of individuals (table 3).

Thus the most people relate to the types of business activities, a bigger part of the actors are involved in this space when cultural activities take place. This type of activity is a very common local context, taking into account cultural values and identity of the population.

To note that all data presented in these tables are specified with some approximation, as a result of the analysis made in the territory, data of official documents, and data offered by community leaders.

Chapter 2.1.1.2. The morphological, social and economic aspects of space The morphology Besides actors and activities in the public space, other important aspects are expressed by morphological, social and economic aspects. The meeting of these issues is necessary for analyzing the quality of space. These are included in the next schemes: Morphological aspect (figure 2), Social aspect (figure 3) and Economic aspect (Figure 4).

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•Private realm •Pedestrian realm •Road realm •Number of levels •Constructive characteristics •Density •Destination • Owners

Morpholog y

Acces and Linkage

- Realm of space

- Connectivity

- Buildings conditions

- Accesibility

Facilities and Utilities •Sewarage network •Lighting network •Urban furniture •Urban lighting

Infrastructure - Facilities

•Street tissue •Transit usage •Traffic date •Acces •Proximity •Walkability •Convenience

Confort and Image - Environment - Confort

•Cleanliness •Sanitation •Greeness •Maintaining •Atractiveness •Spirituality •Stability

Figure 2. Morphological aspect of space. Source: Author

Demographic structure - History evolution - Current structure`

Number of families

Socio-cultural identity

Social income - Employment - Fieldworking

Number of population

Ethnic groups - Origin - Problems - Opportunities -Structure of population

Figure 3. Social aspects of space. Source: Author

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Type Number of activities

description

Owners Role for community

Incomes Economic interest

Employment

Figure 4. Economic aspect of space. Source: Author

The morphological aspect is represented by several features shown in figure 2. It is the quality and physical characteristics of the street which gives pleasant, friendly and comfortable aspect. The 9th street is totally a public space that belongs to and is framed in the city of Medellin municipal street network. Buildings located on both sides of the street are not entirely private properties. Still to this day some people have no document that gives them a title. Moreover, they perceive the built environment as well as so much of the public space, which starts immediately where the outer wall of the building is over the legal limit but also in terms of public-private relationship. (Figure 5)

Figure 5. The public-private relationship. Source: Author

This feeling is a positive aspect, from both points of view of the external-internal communications or public-private, as well as the fact that these areas are in the vicinity of Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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the buildings are conceived as a neat and beneficial relationship that creates a pleasant aspect state of public space. This space is made up of four main components (Figure 6). 

Built space



Green Space



Pedestrian domain



Road domain The built space represents residential buildings on both sides of the road with a number of levels ranging between 1 and 5. It varies depending on the quality of construction, the owner, and destination of ground floor. Experience says that if ground floor was intended for functions other than the living, then this space is recovered by constructing an extra floor.

The solution is levied on the need for living space and facilitating the ground floor with some activity for economic development as well as points of attraction in order to process and social development.

Figure 6. Constructive elements of space. Source: Author

The green space is also a necessary aspect in the formation of public space. Although this area is very green being surrounded by green mountain slopes, the need and

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importance of existing green area in this street becomes paramount giving life and feeling of freshness. This in the context where all the present buildings are produced only from concrete, brick and materials that have a fairly large degree of heat retention and visual discomfort.

Pedestrian domain is represented by the sidewalk. It is the middle of the road space and built space. This street has two sidewalks, but different in sizes and widths. One of them has about 1.50 meters, the other one about 2.50 to 3 meters. They are paved with slabs (photo 3). Street domain consists of two bands of about 3.5 meters each, having the same direction of circulation (figure 6). Often on either side of the road are parked cars which slow traffic and creates traffic jams sometimes.

Other important aspects related to morphology of public spaces are represented by accesses and linkages, facilities and utilities, comfort and image.

Photo 3. The materials and components of sidewalk. Las Estancias, Villa Hermosa, Medellin. Source: Author

Accesses and linkage The 9th street14 represents a space with very easy access and links. It has direct links with other streets (figure 7). Although, the importance of this street is increased in comparing to 14

Street upgraded

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those who have connections, however ultimately creates and facilitates mobility and accessibility very quickly and without any complication. The importance of this street is seen from table 2. In every day this street is transited of about 160 cars and 50 busses which connect to the top of Las Estancias neighborhood, but also with the other neighborhoods like Villa Liliam and Villa Turbay. This is also one of the few streets in the area, which adds stability, accessibility and closeness in the relationship between the individual and the public space. It is one of the few streets that have a clear delineation between pedestrian and road space.

Figure 7. Access and linkage of street upgraded. Source: Author

Facilities and Utilities Along with upgrading the street, it has been putted emphasis on infrastructure engineering networks. This street meets all the conditions related to drainage network infrastructure engineering, water supply and electricity supply network. This is an important issue in providing quality services having a certain standard in accordance with operating rules and hygiene. The given space is facilitated with pedestrian street furniture. It has an important role as a place of social processes, providing a space often used for recreation and socialization among individuals (photo 3). At night the street is illuminated. This gives a Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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comfortable, safe and enjoyable environment to the population that receives the opportunity to walk or socialize until late hours.

Photo 3. Pedestrian street furniture. Source: Author

Comfort and Image This street representing a landmark in this neighborhood is populated so that neighborhood residents as well as those who pass through this space to the surrounding neighborhoods. Considering its location and the physical character, it provides some sensitivity and attractiveness population. It is also quite neat, clean and well defined green spaces, giving a perfect place for communication and social cohesion, exchange opinions and histories. A neglected aspect is that in this area are found in total number of residents, both part of the social structure by age as well as by ethnic group.

The social aspect of Villa Hermosa is characterized in many ways and forms. Although the data presented will be evaluated in the analysis made according to official data on VH15, some references to data that characterize the social aspect will take into account the information provided by the community leaders and exclusive materials. The social aspect is characterized by a variety of aspects that interact directly or indirectly on research topics of the thesis. It includes: 15

Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010

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

Demographic structure



Number of persons and families



Ethnic groups



Social status



Socio-cultural identity The gap between women and men in the demographic structure is not so significant.

Although the women sex representatives forms a larger group than men. Nevertheless, the individuals who are affected by the abuse and violence continue to be women. A report of the local government16 shows that in the structure of the population, women are about 52, 22%, while men about 47.78%. Along with upgrading the 9th street, there was a slight population growth both in the space defined by the street, as well as in the neighborhood 17.

This was due to its modernization, its appearance and perception like community center. If we analyze the population structure by age then it would split into six categories (table 4).

3b_Entre 1y4 años

3c_Entre 5 y 13 años

3d_Entr e 14 y 26 años

1%

3%

10%

21%

20%

28%

17%

1%

4%

11%

24%

19%

25%

16%

1%

5%

16%

28%

21%

20%

9%

1%

6%

17%

28%

20%

18%

10%

1%

5%

14%

21%

22%

24%

13%

1%

7%

17%

26%

18%

22%

9%

3%

7%

20%

30%

17%

16%

7%

2%

9%

25%

26%

19%

14%

5%

2%

6%

24%

27%

21%

14%

6%

3a_Menore s de un año

NOD O1 NOD O2 NOD O3 NOD O4 NOD O5 NOD O6 NOD O7 NOD O8 NOD O9

3e_Entr e 27 y 40 años

3f_Entr e 41 y 59 años

Mayore s de 60

Nodo 6 – Las Estancias neighborhood Table 4. The structure of population by age. Las Estancias, Villa Hermosa. Source: Community leader.

16 17

Page 5, Poblacion por Grupo de edad y sexo. Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Mayor of Medellin 2010 Information provided by community leader

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From these data we can see that the majority of working population occupies about half of all population structure. Also a great significance has children with an age between 5 and 14 years and those between 45 and 59 years. These two groups form other important majority in the usage of public space. Approximate number of defined population who live in the 9th street, is about 350 people, but this space is crossed daily by 700-800 other people.

The number of people belonging to the ethnic groups is relatively small. The majority native group consists of ‘’ Metizo ‘’18, about 69%. The other groups are represented in smaller proportions and ‘’ African descendants’’

19

, ‘’ Afro Colombians ‘’20, Black community, etc.

(Table 5).

Table 5 The structure of ethnic groups. Source: Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010.

Although in smaller proportions, the ethnic groups are well included in the social cohesion, except for some small conflicts that arise as a result of situations marked by interpersonal misunderstandings. Areas of activity of the population are mostly represented in construction, public service, small business and fruit cultivation. In terms of socio-cultural aspect, characteristic for all Villa Hermosa represents activities related to dances and traditional music, usage terraces, conversations, stories, etc. Therefore, under certain holidays or feast days the street is closed to road traffic, in order to allow only pedestrian use, organizing games, dancing and traditional music. According to the community leaders and people who live here, on holidays this street is almost overcrowded. As a result produces the greatest effect of interpersonal interaction and public life.

18

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestizo http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrodescendiente 20 http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afrocolombiano 19

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The economic aspect is a very important factor that keeps the quality and sustainability of public space. Moreover, take into consideration the increased rate of unemployment in the Villa Hermosa, commercial activities located at the ground floor is a real source of income for owners. Often they create their own family business or for some reasons, give for rent these spaces to foreign people who want to create a small business. Economic nature of space is characterized in the next aspects (figure 4). 

Number of activities Type description



Role for community



Owners



Economic interest



Incomes



Employment In the 9th street, at the ground floors of blocks are located about 30 types of economic activities having service in different areas. Variety differs from one case to another, for example: restaurants, terraces, clothing and food stores, meat shops, service car (table 2).

Summarized, these types of activities give a special economic value of this area, both for owners who operate, as well as for those who use services. Moreover, in the last period appeared more and more types of activities, such as hairdressers, fruit and vegetable shops, and beauty salons. This demonstrates that it creates a space in which there is economic potential and strong relationship between supply and demand. Much of sold products are not own production of those who sell, but in some cases like simple accessories, certain types of fruit or meat products are their own production to small business owners. Knowing the quality of products most residents of this neighborhood and those that live in other neighboring districts of Las Estancias, each time return there to buy different products. Most employees are people who live nearby and some are even coming from the central city of Medellin. This gives an important cohesion and interaction of people from different municipal sectors, leading to the creation of a strong and friendly community.

Due to the location of different types of activities at the ground floor, promotes networking between actors interacting with sidewalk space for pedestrians and activities

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within the area located at the basement. The pedestrian mobility occurs in several directions. The ground floor spaces somehow relate to public space consisting of sidewalk, offering stability, relationships, pleasant appearance related to attractiveness, coherence, transparency and connectivity. Through these relationships, the space is perceived becoming attractive as a space at pedestrian-scale. From the physical point of view, another important aspect is the appearance of buildings surrounding them. This is more related about quality of facades (photo 4).

Photo 4. The quality of facades. Source: Author

The quality of the facades is quite good compared to other building blocks. They are painted in different colors that offer some visual comfort. Being a comparatively large scale street, it allows its transit by the transport. Note that once the public transport passing through space, the degree of social interaction increases. In terms of the social aspect, this space meets several different ethnic groups but also individuals with different ages.

This facilitates and encourages the consolidation of community excluded social segregation and racial issues related to ethnicity. In this concern, the degree of socialization of this space offers a huge potential. From the social point of view, this space is perceived as common house located in an open space in which each contributes to the maintenance of public safety. With the increasing number of activities in this area has grown the economic value.

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Chapter 2.1.1.3. The safety Over the course of time, VH experienced a lot of strategies for coexistence and security of the community. However, the need to examine every area or neighborhood is vital. This is due to the unique aspect which meets every neighborhood or area in terms of security, coexistence, population structure, problems and conflicts. The coexistence term adopts multiple forms of documents related crime, violence and paramilitary groups that influence and take illegally the control over the territory. Also it has positive community actions such as collective sports, recreational, religious, cultural and communicative, especially the last two, representing a wealth and enormous potential. This is a bet of community development strategies that says ''combating and reducing acts of violence requires organizing joint actions to overcome the reasons that generate this ''. Las Estancias neighborhood is in the south - east part of the Villa Hermosa. Accidentally or not, only in this part of Villa Hermosa are the biggest concerns and security issues. Not incidentally, improving the quality of environment and public space was prioritized in this sector. In this way, 9th street fell within the scope of this development strategy, supporting essential physical changes that led directly to reduce crime and acts changing the perception of public space in order to share common activities related to culture and communication21. Even in these circumstances, if the public areas were upgraded physical environment, small interpersonal conflicts still would exist. These relate inter family conflicts caused by perception or use of newcomers who rent space or living space.

Also, the current offenses are acts related to territorial confrontation, illegal economy with accommodation land for construction. Certainly, there is a noticeable improvement of the situation of socially and physically, but the conception of community mentality and the perception of coexistence mode cannot be changed immediately. This is the essence of strategies for creating safer communities and social capital development by upgrading public spaces.

However, if we think about the number of people undermines community values and issues of security and coexistence we can definitely say that in the near future, a lot of things will change. Thus, from 150 000 people of Villa Hermosa only 3% of this number cause all the 21

Informations provided by Community Leader

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crimes. Compared to the number of inhabitants of the neighborhood Las Estancias, which is 1,500 people (community leader information), then the number of people that create this state of insecurity is 45. It is a relatively small number of people and for implementing these strategies with social ‘’pressure’’, positively influences transformation. Certainly, from this environment are suffering children and young people, who often are witnesses of these situations. For this purpose, it have been developed and bolstered a number of joint activities (table 2), designed to positively influence on children and young people. The development by upgrading public spaces is a cultural aspect. This is bolstered by the widespread usage of public spaces by the community, both at the characteristic location as well as nationwide. Coexistence is a part in the formation of culture and culture meet people value in a sector or community, based on respect, peace and civic rights. Local development plan22 states that '' human development is the basic element in building its history. For this it is necessary to create conditions for collective environmental transformation necessary in developing relationships and social fabric and create better living conditions23''. In this context, it requires to develop strategic public spaces that would provide full protection to the residents therefore is essential to social and urban development strategies.

Chapter 2.1.2. Conclusions Addressed solutions more beneficial than to intervene with force to arrest suspects and exclude certain types of people from the community, experience the creation of public spaces as a strategy for crime and violence prevention and creating safety, is a mature and sustainable approach in terms of the development of social capital and community strengthening. The 9th street is also part of the same concept, approached by local government in terms of development of social capital, by using public spaces. The relationship between individuals, which have been continuously created within this space, represents the way of auto creating community safety and security. The relation between different groups of actors, ease the exchange of information about certain happenings, people and actions. For this purpose the communication is very important in preventing acts evidence of premeditation and individuals. However, this street does not offer a space 22 23

Plan Local Desarollo 2008-2018 Plan de Convivencia y Securidad compatibility 8, page 23

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exclusively for children. These are present periodically when are organized different types of collective and cultural activities. In this street, the concept of public space is perceived closer to the community. So indirectly, the community has control over this space, building its own comfort and security relationships.

The public spaces are part of the history of a particular place and history of the place is created by the quality of social structure and capitalization of intellectual potential. In this way the strategy that focuses on public spaces has an effect both on the current problem related to uncertainty in Villa Hermosa, as well as the training required of the historical and cultural communities.

Chapter 2.2. The non-improved public space Chapter 2.2.1. Diagnosis Chapter 2.2.1.1. The activities and actors in public space Analyzing the situation of non-improved streets in Villa Hermosa it has been concluded that street 56th C and 24th BB from El Pinal neighborhood is a perfect model in this research (photo 5). One of the most precarious situations related to lack of public spaces, social segregation, social conflict, lack of trails and public services which are related to the neighborhoods El Pinal, 13 Noviembre, La Primavera and Los Mangos24. The necessity of studying both streets (56C and 24BB) in one context comes with close relationship and their mutual connection that characterizes the connectivity and positioning in the common system of road network. Also in the context of the thesis research, this is a perfect situation because of its size and features are perceived more pedestrian scale, representing just the need of interpersonal relationships, joint activities and public life.

24

page 62, Plan de desarrollo Comuna 8, 2008 – 2018

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Photo 5. Aspect of street related to pedestrian scale. El Pinal, Villa Hermosa. Source: Author

If we analyze these two streets in terms of actors and activities, then we can easily realize why they have such poor streets in terms of social interaction, lack of infrastructure and low interest of the population in these. Although they have relatively central placement, that meet exceptional in topographical aspects from the point of view of the local context, it remains unused even to this day. According to the analysis of the territory these streets currently only offer the necessary activities. Even if the optional and social activities currently do not exist in the streets, however necessary activities are also restricted. These activities are limited to transit, daily (live) and some commercial activities (table 6). Variety of commercial activities is limited only to a few shops and a bar (table 7). In these circumstances, the attractiveness of the street is extremely low and is produced only social interaction between individuals who live near these. That makes it virtually impossible to create relationships and community with people from outside of this area.

Type Necessary

Character Transit Proper Commercial

Day 7/7 7/7 7/7

Time 5-23 24/24 8-22

Type of user Residents, Neighbors Residents Residents, Neighbors

Table 6. Types of activities in 56C and 24BB. Source: Author

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Character Grocery store Bar

Number 2 1

Table 7. Number and character of activities. Source: Author

Because of this the specter actors from these areas is very narrow. It consists only by users and public officials (table 8).

Type Users

Structure Residents

Public officials

Police

Number Adults - about 70% Children – about 30% about 2

Time 5/24 7/21

Day 7/7 7/7

24/24

7/7

Role Necessary activities Necessary activities Security

Table 8. Actor of space. Source: The author

Space utilization intensity is directly proportional to the variety of actions. This phenomenon can be observed from these two streets (56 C and 24 BB). Due to inactivity of a wide range of services, the result of actions is represented in very small proportions. This is characteristic of the studied area (figure 15). Meanwhile, commercial activities that take place here are characterized by two grocery stores and a bar. The commercial activities such as bars or terraces have the ability to hold individuals for a long time in this space. This is characterized by the fact that individuals using bars and terraces to eat have some soft drinks or have the opportunity to interact with other individuals and discuss some events or news. In this way it is produced an enhanced effect of social and interpersonal interaction.

Analyzing the grocery business, we can infer that the interaction time is much smaller than a bar or to terrace. That's because commercial activity, such as grocery stores, is not a place where people can spend more time, to talk or interact. So therefore, we can see small variety of activities and ability to hold the people to use this space. Space is poorly utilized, becoming poor in collective actions and activities, so necessary in the formation and establishment of a strong and safe community.

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Figure 15. Variety of activities on street 56C and 24 BB. Source: Author

Chapter 2.2.1.2. The morphological social and economic aspects of space The morphology As in the case of upgraded street, aspects that are part of the morphological characteristic of space are represented in the figure 2, 3 and 4.

The physic aspect The street number 56 C is a relatively small street. This is seen more as a pedestrian scale and is not intended for transit or heavy road traffic. Analyzing the street, we can notice this aspect. It does not have a well defined area between the roadway and sidewalk.

Sidewalk has small dimension, being very narrow and virtually inaccessible to pedestrians (photo 6).

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Photo 6. Street-sidewalk demarcation. Source: Author

Although this street is a public space ultimately is perceived by residents more like a private space (figure 8).

Figure 8. Public-private demarcation. Source: Author

A very important aspect of the public domain is the lack of green spaces. This component is missing both, from 56th C as well as in 24th BB streets (figure 9).

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Street number 56 C

Street number 24

BB

Figure 9. Component elements of public space. Source: Author

The buildings located on both sides of the street have relatively small number of levels, ranging between 1 and 4 (figure 10). On each floor of these buildings, live approximately up to 4 persons25. These are intended about 95% for living space, and about 5% for commercial activities, especially at their the ground floor.

25

Information provided by Community Leader

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Figure 10. The scheme of buildings height. Source: Author

There are a lot of buildings that are inhabited by tens of people, but do not have any property act, although are included in the municipal land registry. Important aspect of the quality of public space is the quality of construction. Most buildings are not finished and consequently it gives a feeling of discomfort and visual displeasure (photo 7).

Photo 7. Facades and finishing. Source: Author

The 24th BB has a different character from physical point of view, compared to the 56th

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street. The reason is due to the different topography. If at 56th C represents a relatively flat surface with insignificant inclination, then at 24th BB's angle is about 11 degrees (figure 11).

Figure 11. Longitudinal section for street number 24 BB. Source: Author

Another aspect that differentiates these two streets is the plan structure. This does not include sidewalks or pedestrian paths. The plan space is composed of road domain and adjacent space plan located between road domain and buildings. These are aspects that separate these two streets.

Accesses and linkages According to the administrative area of the neighborhood El Pinal, we see that the 56th C and 24th BB have a favorable placement, being approximately in the center of the district (figure 12). By having a central character and pedestrian scale enormous potential, they could provide a major performance in terms of social interaction.

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Figure 12. The location of streets in neighborhood. Source: Author

Also, the connection they have to the local street network makes it possible to facilitate pedestrian accesses from different points (figure 13).

Figure 13. Access and linkage. Source: Author

Transit through these streets is made mostly at a pedestrian level. Considering their small gauges, by their transit transport is virtually impossible. Thus, these streets daily are transited by about 15-20 cars. In terms of pedestrian, the street is the transited of about 300

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people daily. Of this number, about 200 are people who live nearby and the other 100 transit this area.

Facilities and Utilities Although the public space suffers from variety of activities, comfort or social interconnectivity, this is offset somewhat by the infrastructure engineering networks. This sector has centralized sewerage, water supply and networks. From this point of view these spaces contain all the necessary features of a normal operation. These areas suffer in terms of facilities and utilities within which are missing urban street furniture and equipment.

Comfort and Image From this point of view these streets provide unpleasant visual satisfaction. One reason would be quality facades. In some cases the final facade is composed of images of chaotic masonry bricks. Other times, finishing in chaotic colors by different types, create a visual and psychological discomfort (photo 8). Another major discomfort it creates the lack of walkways. The quality of work execution is poor and confers an unfriendly environment.

Street number 56 C

Street number 24 BB Photo 8. The panoramas of the streets. Source: Author

The lack of green spaces is also very important. However, green spaces made of grass, shrubs or trees, are absent. The lack of green space makes in the moments of maximum intensity of the sun which makes the space virtually deserted and the air becomes arid. This

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is because the used construction materials have a major degree of heat retention. This creates respiratory and eye discomfort. An overall situation can be seen in table 10 26.

Dimension

Description

Public works and environment 1.

Less critical

Critical level 5 5

1. Streets, trails, easements and roads 2. Overcrowded housing 5. Too critical

Table 10. Public works situation and environment. Source: Diagnostico de la Comuna 8, page 48.

The space can provide an enormous potential, with reference to it connectivity and networking with municipal street network.

The social aspect As in the previous case the social side is characterized by a large number of aspects.

These are extremely important in research, on areas of interaction and activity of the population. Data of population structure by age and sex will be used by those that make references to the neighborhood El Pinal (table 9). Given that, there are not official statistics on the neighborhood in terms of social structure by ethnic groups, the data in this case will be used from official sources27.

3b_Entre 1y4 años

3c_Entre 5 y 13 años

3d_Entr e 14 y 26 años

1%

3%

10%

21%

20%

28%

17%

1%

4%

11%

24%

19%

25%

16%

1%

5%

16%

28%

21%

20%

9%

1%

6%

17%

28%

20%

18%

10%

1%

5%

14%

21%

22%

24%

13%

1%

7%

17%

26%

18%

22%

9%

3%

7%

20%

30%

17%

16%

7%

2%

9%

25%

26%

19%

14%

5%

3a_Menore s de un año

NOD O1 NOD O2 NOD O3 NOD O4 NOD O5 NOD O6 NOD O7 NOD O8 26 27

3e_Entr e 27 y 40 años

3f_Entr e 41 y 59 años

Mayore s de 60

Diagnostico de la Comuna 8, page 48 Page 5, Poblacion por Grupo de edad y sexo. Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010

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NOD O9

2%

6%

24%

27%

21%

14%

Nodo 4 – El Pinal neighborhood Table 9. The structure of population by age. Las Estancias, Villa Hermosa. Source: Community leader.

The economic social structure of the population is divided into six parts. One of these about 40% belongs to'' Low'' substrate (figure 14).

Figure 14. The economic social structure. Source: Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010.

Most of the population is engaged in field work in various fields such as construction, agriculture, public services, retail trade and small entrepreneurs. There is a report on the structure of the overall population by ethnic groups in Villa Hermosa28. In the case of 56th C and 24th BB streets, the data will be used as sources report in 2010 (table 5).Typical problems in terms of social segregation, is targeting newcomers members of social groups and minorities. According to 2010 local government report29 on perception of equality between men and women, shows that about 75% of women said that the chances of equality between men and women has increased in recent years.

The most important problem is related perception mode or space use by the population.

If in the neighborhood the biggest problem is the usage of space close to outer limit of the neighborhood, then in this space the most important issue is how the public space which is perceived30. In many cases, the public space delimited by these two streets is perceived by the community more as a private space, than a public one. Thus requiring to cross this space often interpersonal conflicts arise with the residents, being asked the reason of transiting 28

Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010 Page 32, Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010 30 Diagnostico de la Comuna 8, page 22 29

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6%

this space. Who are you? What’s your name? These situations undermine the quality and essence of the notion of public space. Moreover, this process prevents social interaction and the interrelation actors to activities or services. As a result, could happened different situations and types of conflicts that undermine the essence and value of the community, creating instability and insecurity. Surveys show, that people's perceptions on the neighborhood movement is a major problem31 (figure 16).

Figure 16. Community perception of space transiting. Source: Perfil socioeconomic Villa Hermosa. Alcaldia de Medellin 2010.

The social activities suffer in terms quantity and quality. Thus, there are certain groups of people who are disadvantaged due to spaces designed and specially equipped 32 (table 11). In these circumstances, the need to create public spaces which will represent entire group of population is inevitable. Otherwise the stability of this involves social, communication, security and safety.

Dimension Health and social protection

Description 1. Number of people with disabilities without joint programs or activities 2. State neglect against elderly 3. Lack of equipment for the activities of the elderly 4. Lack of attention to persons with disabilities

Critical level 5 5 4 4

1.Less critical 5. Too critical Table11. Health and social protection. Source: Diagnostico de la Comuna 8, page 38.

31

Report of the Socioeconomic Villa Hermosa, Departamento Administrativo the Planeacion. Alcalde the Medellin 2010, page 24 32 Diagnostico de la Comuna 8, page 38

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The economic aspect Following the analysis previously made on the activities found in these spaces, could be easily evaluated their inability and unproductiveness in economic. These have low potential of entrepreneurs because there is a necessary flow of people who would benefit from a specific set of services. There is little relationship between space and residents. The space creates the community and community creates the space. In this case, economic activities form pedestrian flow and individuals and pedestrian flow can cause bringing activities in public space. As noted in table 7, which summarizes economic activity in this space are two grocery stores and a bar. These are points which are still producing social interaction and relationships. Also, considering the lack of other commercial activities around other nearby streets, these three types of activities are really necessary. The same as upgraded street, people living in its vicinity is framed in social services, construction, agriculture, retail trade.

Among the most critical issues lies the job seeking, public space recovery policies violating the working population, the difficulty of access to food shops, public services (table 12).

Dimension Economic development

1.Less critical

Description 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

High level of unemployment Lack of economic circuit High level of poverty Lack of entrepreneurship Difficult access to local stores, regional and national Informal work activities in the public spaces

Critical level 5 4 4 5 4 4

5. Too critical

Table12. Situation on economic development. Source: Plan de Desarollo Comuna 8/ 2008-2018 , page 60.

Chapter 2.2.1.3. The safety Excessive crowding neighborhood creates problems. In this sense, the history and experience of Villa Hermosa prove this. Abusive occupation of land and housing to excessive clutter generated a series of social problems. In large part, this is related to inter personal conflicts caused by the perception of space, domestic violence. About 23% of all families are affected by this phenomenon. Even if the district El Pinal has a relatively good situation, the risk of these problems is no stranger. There are extremely quiet periods and norms of coexistence. It is impossible to provide an efficient solution that addresses a particular Creating community safety by upgrading public spaces

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problem, and make it void in a relatively short time. However, those who suffer from violence are young people. They form about 83% of people assassinate33.

Another problem is related to the low level of education of the population. Thanks history we can observe that these spaces were occupied by the poor with social problems without lack of incomes or jobs. Most affected are people of African descent group which each time are having aspects of social conflicts and part of the social segregation34.

Another aspect of insecurity is the constraint and economic extortion. Persons, members of criminal groups put pressure on the owners of economic activities. A statement said: "The economic sector is almost brought to blackmail, lack of demand for services and products. Transport sector also suffered". Extortion financial resources from carriers are approximately 300,000 pesos (150 euro) per month while for traders between 15,000 pesos (8 euro) and 20,000 pesos (10 euro) per week.

A number of strategies and guidelines were discussed and specified with a specific purpose: the improvement of the situation.

In the case of neighborhood El Pinal, the social capital is the essence of sustainable development based on district. This fact is in danger, considering the situations of conflict.

This can be also seen if we analyze the types of people who have suffered from them.

Considering that the vast majority of victims are young people (table 9), covering almost the majority of the population structure. The absence of public space which offers common activities and social cohesion leaves to a low rate potential of the community. Taking in consideration public spaces, social cohesion will grow significantly and the population will become unwilling to interpersonal relationships and also it will lead to mental and perceptive change upon the community.

The type of strategies that harness the potential social and its development represent a sustainable and successful way to establish real security and stability in the community.

33

Agencia de Presa IPC (December 2012). Informe Situacion De Derechos Humanos Comuna 8. Retrieved May 20, 2013 from http://www.ipc.org.co/agenciadeprensa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=680:informesituacion-de-derechos-humanos-comuna-8&catid=98:general&Itemid=457 34 Agencia de Presa IPC (December 2012). Informe Situacion De Derechos Humanos Comuna 8. Retrieved May 20, 2013 from http://www.ipc.org.co/agenciadeprensa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=680:informesituacion-de-derechos-humanos-comuna-8&catid=98:general&Itemid=457

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Chapter 2.2.2. Conclusions Concluded diagnosing aspects of public space formed by the street the 56th C and 24th BB streets, clearly shows that it doesn’t have even the most basic functions of a public space.

Here is a reference to its perception by the community, the intensity processes, aspects, urban equipment, etc. In the context of the thesis research, the characteristics of this area are part of a well-defined representative model. Analyzing and diagnosing aspects will create pattern defined by two important parts. The first part will be related to certain kinds of collective activities, characteristic to all individuals, regardless of the socio economic aspect, ethnic or after age and sex. The second part will provide some guidelines related to its design. That means guidelines related to socio-cultural identity, local memory and history, the community wishes, etc.

Only after an examination over all the aspects related to public space, in terms of social, economic, physical, cultural, or historical, being addressed in a holistic research, could be provided some guidelines for creating a successful public space that will lead to increasing the use by the community. This will create closer interpersonal relationships between community members, collective activities, usage public services and as a result of actions will be produced strengthening community, safety and security establishment even members of this community.

Chapter 3. The comparison The importance of the comparison between improved and non-improved public space, comes from the necessity of understanding the processes and intensities that occur at the street level. As in the context of strengthening community and strengthening interpersonal relationships is very important the essence and the key point where they start, the comparison between these types of spaces are inevitable.

Chapter 3.1. The activities and actors in public spaces Making a comparison between the number of actors that interact with the space, then the report should be clear against the 56th C and 24th BB streets. Detaching clear regarding

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the use of space by individuals is directly related to the activities and comfort level. So, if in the 9th street the types of work performed are characterized by the optional and those necessary, then in the 56th C and 24th BB the variety is much smaller (table 13).

Improved space

Non-improved space

Surface Sq m

Number of activities

Number of residents

Surface sq m

Number of activities

Number of residents

2850

31

350

1320

3

200

Improved space – 8,14 sq m /inhabitant

Non-improved space - 6,6 sq m/ inhabitant

Table 13. Comparison between the number of activities. Source: Author

The Variety of activities suggests the type and number of actors. Thus, if in the 9th street there are types of actors involved, such as users, owners and public officials, then in the 56th C and 24th BB, the role of public officials is limited to the police officers that overfly the area. Other members of the group of public officials are not directly related to this area.

Also the figure 17 represents the correlation by activity type in improved and nonimproved spaces.

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Figure 17. Activities that take place indifferent types of spaces. Source: Jan Gehl 1996

In terms of days and hours of the usage of these spaces, the characteristics are approximately the same. For this reason, it results an overall characterization (table 3 and table 6).

Chapter 3.2. The morphological, social and economic aspects of spaces Morphological characteristics of the analyzed spaces are different. This can be seen both by the size and shape of the space as well as by the components. Comparing the components between IPS and NIPS can be observed that in NIPS lack of green elements under any characteristic or aspect (photo 10).

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th

th

The 9 street

The 24 BB street Photo 10. Aspects of green spaces. Source: Author

Here can be observed also the size of the pedestrian sidewalks and work quality. Meanwhile higher population density in the 9th street is due to greater height of buildings. The height average of buildings is about 3 floors while in non-improved space is about 2 floors (figure 18).

Street number 9

Street number 56C and 24 BB

Figure 18. The scheme of buildings height. Source: Author

The quality of finishes and appearance is also an important factor in the attractiveness of the public spaces. They often create psychological comfort or discomfort on the

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perception of space. Comparing both cases it can be observed the detriment of NIPS which gives a poor aspect in this sense. Although in the 9th street there are some buildings that need to be supposed to improvement the overall picture seems to be better that in NIPS (photo 11).

th

Photo 11. Panoramas of the 9 street. Source: Author

Access and linkage The aspects of connections and entrances can be summarized to the idea that both spaces are facilitated with accesses and good links. Each space is facilitated with 3 entrances.

They offer a good fluidity regarding fluidization and transit by pedestrians (figure 19).

Street number 9

Street number 56C/ 24BB

Figure 19. Access and linkage. Source: Author

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The aspect of access and connection is characterized also by other characteristics such as data on traffic, proximity, etc. Characterizing traffic data related to both transport as well as the number of people can be observed that the 9th street is in a superior position. Thus, according to table 2, the 9th street is the daily transited by approximately 1,000 people, 160 cars and 45-50 busses. Comparing with 56C and 24 BB who is daily transited of about 350 people and 15 to 20 cars.

Facilities and Utilities Urban furniture and certain facilities such as architectural lighting are missing in 6th C and 24th BB streets. They are found in the 9th street, but though are not represented by a big variety however these seem to be sufficient in the context of the flow of people and creating a friendly environment. Looking to other aspects both streets are facilitated with electrically network, water supply and sanitation.

Comfort and image Although NIPS is placed in a more favorable site, compared with IPS, the NIPS do not offer a higher comfort. This is caused by poor infrastructure of public space and inadequate usage of their topographical character. Comparing the topographical aspect they offer, it can be said with certainty that 24BB provides incomparable better image. The 24 BB, due to topography, offers phenomenal views of the city. On this way, the space can be harnessed with success in order to attract and comfort that offers the environment (photo 12).

The improved street

The non-improved street

Photo 12. Visual aspect offered by the analyzed spaces. Source: Author

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The Social aspect Considering the relatively small physical distance between these two researched places the social aspect is characterized by aspects that are not exactly to opposite poles. In terms of social structure, by age, sex and ethnic groups, the data used will be the official, conform table 4 and 9. There are some differences between numbers of families. The number families in the IPS, is about 70 – 80. In NIPS live about 40 families. Considering that the population structure led by ethnic groups is approximately the same values as in the general context of the Villa Hermosa, these will be the analyzed data. Taking into account the social economic status of the population then we conclude that most people do not have high incomes (figure 14).

The way and intensity of using public space is represented in figure 20.

Improved space

Non-improved space

Figure 20. Spatial analysis on intensity of movement. Source: Author

The economic aspect In terms of appearance and economic value, these two spaces are incomparable. If in the first case (9th street), the number of economic activities reaches up to 31, then in the

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second case (56th C and 24th BB), their number is up to 3. Thereby could be seen the value and intensity space like result of economic aspect (table 13). The largest types of activities are represented by restaurants and terraces. Such activities are very important in the context because for a good social connection is very important duration of time period in which the actors spend time using public space. In these conditions the value of space per square meter is higher in the 9th street than in the 56th C and 24th BB.

Chapter 3.3 Safety Although there are different aspects and features in terms of community security from one district to another, the basic problems remain the same.

Following the difficult situations of armed conflict after which the entire community suffered, it was created a number of social development, both in the district El Pinal, as well as the Las Estancias neighborhood. They are accompanied by the participatory planning processes and of population, trying to diminish inter ethnic inequality and armed violence.

This plan is based on planning and building organizations and actions. In this sense, the action plan developed within Villa Hermosa development plan. This also refers to the districts surveyed35. The overall goal of the plan is :'' Ensuring integral human development perspective, full respect for human rights, improving living conditions through direct interventions on the ground, which creates conditions for dignified existence in all areas of social development36'’.

From the point of view of community safety, these two districts are approximately within the same limits, being differentiated only some unique cases related to specific types of conflict. Overall, there is no differentiation. However, the importance of addressing to every neighborhood in part comes from the need to understand the social processes that are happening locally in each of these streets. In this sense the spaces have been analyzed in terms of different neighborhoods, resident perception, process intensity, coexistence mode, physical appearance, social cohesion and development.

35

Desarollo Local Comuna 8, 2008 - 2018 Agencia de Presa IPC (December 2012). Informe Situacion De Derechos Humanos Comuna 8. Retrieved May 20, 2013 from http://www.ipc.org.co/agenciadeprensa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=680:informesituacion-de-derechos-humanos-comuna-8&catid=98:general&Itemid=457 36

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Chapter 4. Providing guidelines for the non-improved public space Following the made analysis in chapters two and three, were highlighted characteristics related to public spaces (improved and non-improved), actors, activities, etc.

As was stated, the key issues in forming a successful public space represent public space quality and variety of actions. In the fourth chapter will be suggested two types of guidelines related to the design and activities. The guidelines related to activities will be divided into two groups, highly needed in the context of non-improved public space. The first group consists of necessary activities and the second group of optional activities (figure 21).

Necessary

• Commercial • Transit

•Intellectual Optional and social •Recreational •Cultural Figure 21. Types of proposed activities. Source: Author

The design guidelines are grouped into two segments (figure 22).

Here will be investigated the space character while preserving the architectural character of urban local topography and highlight capitalizing and rediscovery of local memory.

Open space

Built space

• Physic characteristics • Historic evolution of place • Urban Architectural context • Climatic characteristics • Types of activities • Local landscape characteristics • Building materials

• Constructive characteristics • Types of activities

Figure 22. Types of design guidelines. Source: Author

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Chapter 4.1. Activities Chapter 4.1.1. Necessary activities

The necessary activities are the most important type of activities. This can be seen in the case of upgraded street as well as in the case of non-upgraded. Within this kind of activities there is the largest number of individuals. The necessary activities are those linked by commercial aspects and transit (Table 6). The non-improved space is daily transited of about 300-350 people. Of that number, about 60% are residents who live near it and only 40% are neighbors from neighborhood. One of the ideas of creating the sense of place represents the intensive usage of space. This takes shape, once the number of residents in this space is outdated by the newcomers. In this way could be concluded the importance and attractiveness of the place.

According to table 2, the ratio of residents and newcomers represents 65% to 35% (improved space).

To harness the potential of the site and the creation of relationships with the activities, we must consider the potential open space and the built potential. In this way surfaces are available in the ground floors and open space (figure 23). Within the built environment there is a potential of about 380 square meters on the ground floor of buildings. This space is calculated as a result of potential building and structural characteristics. The open space has a potential of about 1320 square meters. Besides, is made the available space of the ground floors in relation with open space. As a result of the space zoning it was made by type of activity (figure 23).

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Figure 23. The placement of activities proposed. Source: Author

Their location was made considering the time and period of the activities. Daily activities are represented by commercial, transit, intellectual, recreational. Within the activities that occur periodically they take part in the cultural activities. Considering these two different time periods and different kind of activities, the space needs to provide maximum flexibility, being possible for all types of activities (figure 24).

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Figure 24. The placement of cultural activities. Source: Author

One of the major attractions for newcomers represents the commercial activities. In this deem to increase the number of activities is needed to facilitate and increase the spectrum of commercial activities. This aspect is encouraged by the large number of residents that live in the neighborhood of El Pinal. Their number reached 2000 inhabitants.

Another important issue is the number and intensity of activities in space. The ratio of economic activities and public space area (non-improved) is 440 square meters per one economic activity. In the case of 9th street, this is 91 m2 for one economic activity. It is therefore necessary to increase the number of these.

Type is directly related to the activities that characterize users by age and sex. There is a logic correlation and analysis which shows that the number of economic activities increases the number of users of the space. The commercial activities are one of the most attractive points of the capital in a public space. From the commercial activities the biggest effect has the shops, bars and terraces. Number of a type of commercial activities in space, demonstrate their necessity. The experience (improved public space) shows that about 50% of the total number of activities is represented by the shops, bars and terraces. In this way, guidelines related to commercial activities, about 50% must be occupied by terraces, bars and shops. This is supported by the fact that El Pinal neighborhood is poor facilitated with shops and terraces (Table 12). These are activities that promote individual interaction with

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space for a longer time. The remaining types of activities can be occupied by different types of stores, such as food or clothing. This type of activities is supported by timetable. The commercial activities and interaction takes place all day, mainly in the second half. The weekend is the peak period for the business. All economic activities are proposed to be located at the basement. In this way will increase space utilization reasoning, but also quality service. The types of activities are located taking into account the need to produce social cohesion. The first group of activities is the group of commercial activities. This is the most important type of activity. Within it the shops have the largest share. Therefore they have to be placed strategically (figure 25).

Figure 25. The placement of shops. Source: Author

As we can see in this map, the transit will support entirely public space so that actors interact with using other types of actors. The bars and terraces belong to places in extremities space (figure 26).

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Figure 26. Placement of bars and terraces. Source: Author

This location will offer to space stability and a relax atmosphere. Taking account of the topographical offered by 24th street, in its extremity proposes recreation area which consists of terraces and bars. The residents can take advantage of the space character and condition of comfort that could be created.

The transit activities represent the basic element of the space usage. The success of public space is represented by the number of people that are transiting. The studied space is transited daily by about 100 people. This number represents half of the total number of residents that live in the vicinity of it. Once the types of commercial activities are intensified the pedestrian flow will grow. After the improvement of space, is expected that this number will exceed twice the number of residents. Their number will reach approximately 450-500.

In this regard it is necessary to ensure the free circulation but also the spatial correlation between transit and activities taking place. This can be achieved through a common space intended the transit function. The transit mode and space should produce good stability both in direction transiting visual, as well as sideways. For this purpose, it is necessary transparency for relating retail space at the basement with space transit.

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The 56th street will have a single area for transit. The 24th street will have two surfaces (figure 27).

Figure 27. The placement of transit spaces. Source: Author

The walkways located on the 24th street must be placed between the private and open space. The idea is designed to produce more intensive interaction between individuals (figure 28).

Figure 28. The interaction between actors. Source: Author

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Chapter 4.1.2. Optional and social activities If necessary activities are perceived involuntarily, then social activities are optional and voluntary activities. This type of activity is not a strict necessity for residents. They are used only by a particular group of the population. This depends on the nature of interest for community, the space where takes place, day, hour etc. In the context of the thesis research, enrollment of the entire community in this type of activity is paramount and vital in order to create security and social development, changing the perception on the value of public spaces and common activities. Given type of activities must cause the interaction of all members of the community regardless of social status, ethnic origin, age or sex. In their turn, collective activities are divided into three basic groups, as follows: intellectual, recreational, cultural.

There must be a correlation between socio-cultural identity, desires and needs of the community with nature activities.

Intellectual activities are necessary in personal formation. They are the most important aspects in the development of social capital. They capitalize on the individual's personal capacity in the community and positively influence the appearance of coexistence and tolerance within it. Intellectual activities contain lots of activities. Importantly, their type must be directly linked to the nature of social structure, the existing problems, the target group of the population, etc.

The intellectual level of the population from Villa Hermosa is very low. This is due to low levels of poverty and social status of the population. Most of the population is part of the social layer of very low, low and medium-low. The population tries to exist no matter what happens. The intellect and education are less important. Furthermore, the population does not have the necessary funds to invest in the intellectual development of children. In these circumstances, those who suffer are children up to 18 years, which forms about 30-35% of the total structure of the population (table 9). In this context, the local authorities of Medellin have initiated a plan to motivate youth participation in the educational process 37.

This becomes more important in the context which young people and women are the most affected population group as a result of violence. The need to create a new environment through intellectual activities is extremely necessary.

37

http://www.antioquia.gov.co/index.php/antioquia-la-mas-educada-y-ensena-por-colombia

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In order to provide the types of intellectual activity is necessary to analyze the social structure (Table 9). There are several groups: 

up to 1 year old- 1%



1 - 3 years old - 6%



4-13 years old - 17%



14 - 18 years old - 12%

Children up to 3 cannot be part of the group. Group over which refers this type of activity is the range between 4 -18 years. Those that exceed this limit are part of other activities.

Group of children from 3 to 18 years is about 30% of the total population. The activities of this group are divided into two categories. 

From 3 to 10 years



From 11 to 18

Group of children from 3 to 10 years requires special attention. Requirements of this group represent primary activities. They keep learning to write, read, chatting and communication between them. In this way are established relationships and friendships at a very young age. In this way are form how to trust and respect each other. The group of people from 10 to 18 requires other types of intellectual activities. They can be represented by a library that provides information about cultural identity, history, etc. Another type of related activities represents some lessons of history, societal values and coexistence, traditions but also those related technique and technologies.

These are very necessary in the context of the Colombian community that is very fond of their traditions, culture and history. Also, it would be necessary drawing and painting space, having coverage at district level. Such activities are common in the local context and have a huge potential in the sustainable development of social capital.

First, this type of activity must be located compactly possibly as it can. It will determine social cohesion between different individuals, regardless of ethnicity or social status. Secondly, considering their age they are involved in this process, requiring little protection from extremes streets or places less protected. The following idea explains that their placement was made about in the middle of the 24th street (figure 23). Having a good view over the city, people can use green space for relaxing, reading, etc.

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The recreational activities are part of cultural identity. The public spaces are frequently used by the community. This aspect is very important and beneficial for social cohesion. However, there are various ways in terms of recreational activities. This differs from one sector to another. It depends on the perception of public space, urban equipment, facilities and utilities. Considering interviews in territory but also data related to the type of recreational38, about 50% of the total population spends her free time going out in the parks (figure below). Some of them spend time visiting shopping centers and others participate at some sport activities. Analyses show that the most widely used public space is represented by parks. These are in inferior condition and in a small number. Otherwise, 50% of the total population recreate in parks. This aspect is supported by the fact that the naturally aspect represents a way that identifies community. In correlation with the type of studied area, it should be specified in order to provide guidelines for design. In scope to create a comfortable space and common for entire community, it is necessary that public space should contain aspects or functions of a park at street scale. Analyzing the evolution year by year, we could observe that more and more people use public space for recreation. Certainly once the studied area will include aspects of a local park but also commercial activities it will be populated by a large number of people. This will facilitate the use of this space not only in the weekends (as in parks) but day by day, being perceived as a pedestrian scale.

In the proposed space are represented some elements within playgrounds for children. To this end, parents can supervise children at terraces located in the extreme of 24th street. Within them are able to meet different kids from different social layers and ethnic groups (figure 29).

38

Ecuesta de percepcion, pag 19

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Figure 29. The population's preferences related recreational activities. Source: Encuesta de Percepci贸n Ciudadana, Medell铆n 2012

Their creation is very necessary if we consider the socio-economic structure of the population that there are only three social layers. In these conditions favoring social vulnerable persons, should favor certain people using the space, not necessarily spending some economic resources. At the same time for recreational activities will be used the terraces. Thus, if in the case of upgraded street are enough seven bars and terraces to 1000 people, then for non-modernized street, five could be enough. However, considering the number of people that will grow as a result of a possible upgrade, then this number can increase up to 6-8.

The topographical character of the 24th street BB represents a local characteristic space, being placed on steep slopes and offering an overview on city of Medellin. Thus it will be harnessed to recreational space. In the recreational activities will find all kinds of people, by age, sex and ethnic group.

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Cultural activities by resumption of memory has been developing since 2007 and has held various activities to strengthen cultural memory sector Villa Hermosa, in order to generate identity and sense of belonging to the territory. In this way increase citizen engagement in the management of development in their immediate environment and their neighborhood. To do this, it starts a new process in 2013 with the Ministry of National Culture, which aims to strengthen cultural and historical memory of the inhabitants VH, by implementing the actions and strategies of participation, integration and communication, encouraging intercultural dialogue rescue and dynamic assessment territory, contributing to improving coexistence39. The type of cultural activities should be taken into account with the socio-cultural identity of the community. In the same direction, is necessary to be analyzed the perception of community on cultural activities. Of course most cultural activities are related to the origin and cultural identity. Thus, even if 69% (table 5) of most of the population is ‘’Mestizo’’ group, it is necessary to be analyzed and the socio-cultural identity of minorities. Only in this way, it will be possible to create a strong interaction and social cohesion.

Figure 30. The population's preferences related cultural activities. Source: Encuesta de Percepción Ciudadana, Medellín 2012

39

Escuela de Cultura Comuna 8. (June 2013). INVITACIÓN CICLO DE TERTULIAS "Construyendo mi barrio, mi mundo".

Retrieved May 25, 2013 from http://escueladeculturacomuna8med.blogspot.com.es/

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The diagram from figure 30, represents nature activities40. From this figure we can see that the majority of cultural activities are related to reading. After, these are public activities, such as festivals, concerts and theaters.

Considering that reading is a basic activity, it is important to facilitate space for achieving this. In the intellectual activities was proposed library, characteristic age to 18 years. Taking into account population structure and the most important activity, it is necessary to create another space to be more diverse like literature and materials. In this regard could be created a community library within to be found newspapers, books, articles from vast areas but also different materials with reference to VH neighborhood. Daily, here will be trained a large number of people, interested in this kind of activities. Being in a public space, intended for reading, this place will be widely used and will be a motivation for groups of people who are not used to reading. This space will inspire and motivate individuals on personal intellectual development.

Another type of activities is related to concerts, celebrations, performances. Certainly within them interacts a lot of people, different according to age, sex, ethnic group, political affiliation. This is the key success of a public space. This aspect is proven by IS, when the street is closed for making cultural activities. Because the analyzed area is relatively small and the number of people increases the space need to be designed for satisfying the flexibility and needs, to be easily arranged by the type and character of concerts or festivals.

Due to size, constraints that provides the space and the reason that these take place periodically, design guidelines should provide a maximum flexibility of space. So for this purpose the space for cultural activities will be located at the crossroads. This is because the 24th street offers a significant angle of inclination and with conducting concerts and festivities it can serve as a space for spectators (figure 31).

40

http://medellincomovamos.org/bitcache/b779a073ba506261d0e92d4fc5c5c20ff5dbbddb?vid=2245&disposition=inl ine&op=view

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Figure 31. The placement of cultural activities. Source: Author

Chapter 4.2. Design Because design guidelines are complex issues, they are divided into two groups. The first group characterizes open public space (street). The second characterize the built environment (buildings).

Chapter 4.2.1. Open space In the group ''open space'' there are some important aspects connected to the quality and characteristics of public space. These include: 

Physical Characteristics



Historical evolution of the place



Urban architectural context



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

Types of activities



Landscape characteristics



Building material character

Following the analysis made on the studied area, it has been noted issues related to its physical characteristics. Space formed by 56th C and 24th BB streets represents relatively small surfaces. It is characteristic to the types of local streets in the neighborhood of El Pinal but also the VH. Its surface contains about 1320 square meters. Approximately 600 square meters of those 1320 are about flat surface (at 56C). The other surface is a slope angle of 11 degrees (at 24th BB, Figure 11). As a result of the proposals, the appearance of these streets will be changed. Due to the small physical characteristics (Figure 9) and a decreased flow of public transport, it is fully intended to be destined to the pedestrian purpose. In this way the quality will be improved as a pedestrian space and open space will be able to communicate directly with the built environment and the activities that will take place there. In order to make the space look friendly, it will put accent to the facilitation of urban equipment and facilities.

A very important aspect has the historical evolution of the site. To create a space that represents a sense of place, in terms of community need but also in the local historical aspect, it is necessary to analyze this aspect. El Pinal neighborhood is a district formed in 1940. The name refers to the old neighborhood pine forest that was in the area where today is located the neighborhood. After this the space where this neighborhood is located today, was designed a park, called Pan Azucar41. The high degree of naturalness that borders the neighborhood of the mountain Pan de Azúcar, characterizes the identity of this space 42. Also it is one of the most compact and planned neighborhood. This can be seen by the analysis of street network (Figure 13). In the design guidelines is necessary to take into account this aspect, related to the accuracy of planning. It is said that the construction of neighborhood and street planning was done by women because the men were busy with crafts and production in order to support families43. Considering historical characteristics are necessary

41

Haciendo memoria de la Comuna 8, Frederick Cotua Munoz, Diego Andres Rios Agudelo, page 18 Haciendo memoria de la Comuna 8, Frederick Cotua Munoz, Diego Andres Rios Agudelo, pagina 22 43 http://www.comuna8.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24:el-pinal-resenahistorica&catid=9:barrios 42

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to emphasize certain key issues, such as the high degree of naturalness, planning well defined, pleasant appearance and of course the role of women in the creating space.

These key issues must be capitalized as a part of social and cultural identity of the neighborhood.

Another important aspect that permits to create a characteristic area is urban architectural context. It includes two major characteristics. The first part is related to the topography of the area. A second feature is the architectural aspect.

This neighborhood is located on the steep slopes of mountain Pan Azucar. Building houses on steep slopes is an important part of the local context. In this regard, the topographical character offers general overview of the city Medellin (photo 13).

Photo 13. Typical overview from Pan de Azucar. Villa Hermosa. Source: Author

This character represents a historical landmark and highlighting of topography represents a very important aspect. The 24th street represents part of local topographical character. Sloping streets represent the identification local part.

Architectural approach within informal settlements simplified essence and character of habitat in the Colombia. Necessitating primary functions these settlements do not take into account the identity of cultural or architectural characteristics. In these conditions the necessity to recover the architectural identity is essential in order to strengthen the cultural character. However, there are some traditional aspects that highlight the nature of these types of settlements. These spatial patterns were produced in a coordinated manner to dwell practices being linked to the emotional life of the resident communities. The sidewalk, the front yard, the corner, the balcony, the terrace, the stairs, bridges and walkways, all

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these are rich universe full of meaning elements, which are used extensively and are strongly linked to affective shared values and to recognize all the residents44 (photo 14).

Photo 14. Representative photo for Villa Hermosa. Source: Author

The relationship between built environment and living practices is essential. Spaces talk about life and it is characteristic of popular habitat. The arrangement of the houses in front of the landscape, opening its facade to be seen from below as an open city, settling in the form of horizontal bands that follows the topography, represents both a form reminiscent site rural housing and the result of a deliberate decision that implies the future urban balcony open to the landscape. Just as the platform of the front yard, terraces, stairs, elements will shape the future of public outdoor space and community will appear to the extent where the process of domestication of the topography and the adaptation step of the road infrastructure and enabling services will go. These elements are representative for space and are highly needed in the eventual design of the space.

Also, characteristic for local architectural aspect represents rich color range. This is part of the cultural identity. The local context is represented by warm shades, often blended to some composition. These are essential elements in the creation of historical public and private space (photo 15).

44

page 67, Una mirada estĂŠtica de la arquitectura http://www.bdigital.unal.edu.co/5030/1/gae04-ArqPop-BTaller.pdf

popular.

Gilberto

Arango

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Escobar.

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Photo 15. Aspects of local traditional architecture. Source: Author

Climatic aspect is associated to comfort level in space. This is very important, taking into considering the climatic zone of VH. The most important factors affecting the metabolic comfort of people in public spaces in VH are high levels of temperature sun incidence and humidity which are characteristic of the hot-humid climates. Climate considerations for VH therefore must be related to minimizing hazards, thermal discomfort from the intense sun incidence and heat, providing adequate shade of outdoors surfaces and taking advantage of the prevailing breezes. The effects of heat and humidity over open spaces in VH have been highly negative and limiting people’s use and activities in the public setting. The presence of trees and nature in the landscape can change the degree of humidity of the streets. It also has psychological influence of serve climate conditions over people’s behavior in public space. In this way, the climatic variable should be incorporated in design codes.

Analyzing the range of the sun it is seen that these spaces require high demanding in terms of shading that need space, especially in the middle of the day (figure 32).

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Figure 32. The range of sunlight. Source: Author

In this area, the range of the sun is directly from east to west. In this way, is necessary to take into account the position of streets in the cardinal points. This is linked to the shadow created by space in the first part of the day or in the second. This can negatively or positively influence on the comfort and stability in space (figure 33).

The wind characteristic varies depending on the environment, soil roughness, thermal stratification and height. Natural ventilation is part of the overall design of the building and space. In places where humid climate dominates, it is necessary to eliminate obstacles to maximum air in order to circulate freely45, but in the same time having a strong relationship with landscape.

45

Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial República de Colombia. Page 13, Los materiales en la construcción de vivienda de interés social. http://www.minvivienda.gov.co/Vivienda/ProyectoVISyVIP/Documents/guia_asis_tec_vis_2.pdf

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Figure 33. The range of sunlight in the first and second part of the day. Source: Author

The open space will support some types of activities related to transit, cultural, recreation and culture. Due to the essence of these types of activities, the necessity for open space is required. Another reason is their cultural character and conduct.

Using local landscape characteristics Green aspect plays an important role in creating aspect climate. Furthermore, it is an aspect of the cultural identity and landscape. In the created space must be taken into account that El Pinal neighborhood is located on the site of an ancient pine woods. Before the construction of this neighborhood, the sector was intended for a park.

In such circumstances is important degree of naturalness, specific plant species spectrum and integrating local landscape place in the physical characteristics of the space

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studied.

Use building materials characteristic of the local area Construction materials are another important aspect that is characterized by the historical evolution of space and distinctive aspects. Thus in the process of training space, a number of different materials and features that are required to be combined in a common framework, represent distinctive features.

The environmental sustainability in the extraction and manufacture of materials is related to the adoption, in the production process, the necessary corrective measures to mitigate the impact on management of renewable natural resources and non-renewable.

Every work of architecture or urbanism offers a purpose. For this to be sustainable, should consider the following general aspects46: 

The appropriate choice of materials that guarantee insulation due sound and heat, which allows people to establish housing harmonious relations with others and within their own spaces, in favor of human and social sustainability.



The selection of materials and construction system should respond to the cultural identity of the region where the work develops.



Maintenance costs of the spaces, which are derived directly from the choice of materials and building system, should be to provide sustainable architecture and which is in conformity with the economy of the inhabitants.



Constructed spaces should be adapted to the climate and geography.



Must use renewable resources in its construction, preferably produced in the region.

Materials in Construction In general building materials can be classified into three groups: 

Primitive (easily available in nature) such as branches, reeds, grasses, leaves, etc.



Traditional (that require manufacturing or less complex), such as marble, brick, tile, metal, glass, etc.



Modern (relatively new substances) such as steel, plywood, plastic, advanced ceramics, etc.

In the history of engineering and architecture in Colombia has used a variety of

46

Ministerio de Ambiente, Vivienda y Desarrollo Territorial República de Colombia. Page 7, Los materiales en la construcción de vivienda de interés social.

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materials. But have skipped steps, or have not developed properly, which has made the aesthetic of cities is very dissimilar or prolonged stays the same, while the world changes.

Although over the years this is changing, it is becoming aware of the importance of the aesthetics of the communities and how favorable is to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.

Chapter 4.2.2. Built space The built space explores two aspects. These are related to the structural characteristics of the building, types of activities and the relationship between open space and built space.

Most of the buildings have between 2 and 4 levels (Figure 10). The height of each building varies, but most of them are between 2.20 and 2.70 meters. Approximately 95% of their surfaces are filled with living spaces. Considering the practices and experiences in the field, at the ground floors it will be placed certain types of activities. The offered surface potential is important for the allocation and placement of various functional activities (figure 34).

Figure 34. The potential offered by the ground floors of apartment buildings. Source: Author

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Following will partially change the destination of ground floors that meet the conditions necessary to exploit. In addition this change will bring aesthetic ground floors. In this regard is necessary to improve the appearance of the upper floors in order to provide a pleasant and comfortable look.

Taking into account the characteristics of the ground floors and reduced surfaces, within them will be placed types of activities that cannot be conducted outdoors. In this sense the built space will be directed to commercial and intellectual activities. They will be represented by commercial spaces but also library, reading room, creative spaces, etc. In this way, taking the character led activities and users, the types of activities should correlate with the space, in the order to strengthen social interactions and protecting groups.

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Final remarks The basic concern of local authorities of Medellin city represents the physic social development of the informal settlements from peripheries of the city. This aspect became a concern when the city in 90s was characterized like being the most dangerous city in the world. The most important point where began all the crimes and violence were represented by spaces abusively occupied from the urban peripheries. In this way, the authorities initiated a huge plan, regarding the development of these urban areas.

In this context, the thesis topic represents a challenge and is part from municipal development plan. The thesis approaches the way of increasing the level of community security, through valuing social interactions, public life and social cohesion which means a way of social capital development and changing its perception on value of community.

Analyzing two types of public spaces, we had highlighted the aspects that influenced on the community motivation to use public spaces. These aspects become more important in the context of need to recover the spaces from both points of view, socio-cultural and urban-architectural, taking into account the need of creation a sense of place through approaching of social capital identity, desires, needs, problems, opportunities, characteristics of environment, historical evolution of place, etc.

Of course this strategy cannot ensure the key aspect of community security notion, but the basic idea represents the development of spaces from both points of view, physical and social. The investigation can be useful for architects, urban planners and local administration that suggests what kind of aspects should be taken into account in the context of relationship between social capital development and public space.

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