Transforming Aguas Negras: Enhancing Security and Growth in Vulnerable Neighborhoods
Translated title
Transforming Aguas Negras
Author
Martinez Perez, María Jesús
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2025
Pages
106
Abstract
This thesis explores how to turn Aguas Negras, a vulnerable neighborhood in Curicó, Chile, into a more accessible, active, and safe urban area. The work followed an integrated design process, moving from site analysis and community engagement to a coherent set of proposals. The analysis showed several challenges: barriers to getting around and a lack of clear identity, along with many underused public spaces in poor condition. At the same time, the area has strong assets: numerous public spaces that can be revitalized; the Guataquito stream along the neighborhood’s edge offers opportunities for environmental and social improvements; and an active local community provides a basis for shared management and long-term care of public spaces. Based on these findings, the project proposes four design principles: - Accessibility: create inclusive, easy-to-navigate public spaces. - Low-maintenance solutions: use durable materials and hardy vegetation to reduce upkeep. - Safety through lighting: provide adequate lighting to improve nighttime visibility and comfort. - Identity through function: design spaces that reflect local culture and everyday practices to strengthen belonging. Together, these strategies aim to guide practical, community-supported improvements to the public realm in Aguas Negras.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan Aguas Negras, et udsat kvarter i Curicó i Chile, kan omdannes til et mere tilgængeligt, aktivt og trygt byområde. Arbejdet fulgte en integreret designproces – fra analyse og dialog med lokalsamfundet til en samlet designplan. Stedsanalysen viste flere udfordringer: besværlig adgang og manglende identitet, samt mange offentlige rum, der er underudnyttede og dårligt vedligeholdt. Samtidig rummer området store muligheder: der er mange offentlige rum, som kan revitaliseres; Guataquito-bækken langs kvarterets kant giver mulighed for både miljømæssige og sociale forbedringer; og et aktivt lokalsamfund kan danne grundlag for fælles forvaltning og langsigtet vedligehold. På den baggrund foreslås fire designprincipper: - Tilgængelighed: skabe inkluderende, let aflæselige offentlige rum. - Lave driftskrav: bruge holdbare materialer og robuste planter for at minimere vedligehold. - Tryghed gennem belysning: sikre passende belysning for bedre synlighed og tryghed om aftenen. - Identitet gennem funktion: udvikle rum, der afspejler lokal kultur og hverdagsliv, så tilhørsforholdet styrkes. Tilsammen skal disse greb guide praktiske, lokalt forankrede forbedringer af Aguas Negras’ offentlige rum.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]