New Alameda
In collaboration with the Metropolitan Regional Government
After / Before
Plaza Italia:
The focus here is the revitalization of this iconic meeting point in Santiago. The project aims to improve accessibility, pedestrian and cyclist transit, while increasing the safety and functionality of the public space. Plaza Italia will be transformed into a more inclusive space for all citizens to enjoy, preserving its historical and social significance. This initiative is part of the comprehensive improvement plan for Nueva Alameda Providencia.
Nudo Pajaritos and Santiago Bueras Park:
This intervention seeks to revitalize one of Santiago’s main entryways by better integrating pedestrian and roadway infrastructure. The Nudo Pajaritos interventions aim to enhance mobility, safety, and connectivity, while the Santiago Bueras Park renovation includes the creation of new green areas and recreational spaces for the community. These efforts are part of the broader urban transformation plan for Nueva Alameda Providencia.
Public Space Conservation and Improvement:
This initiative focuses on upgrading key urban areas within Nueva Alameda Providencia. Improvements include wider sidewalks, new green spaces, better lighting, and urban furniture, all aimed at making the areas more accessible, safe, and sustainable for citizens. Special emphasis is placed on aligning urban design with community needs and environmental sustainability.
Nueva Alameda Mobile at San Francisco Church
Mass Engagement Events:
First Event: “Las Delicias de La Alameda”
Held on August 12, 2023, at the GAM Cultural Center, this event sought to inspire and motivate key project stakeholders to reclaim La Alameda through a shared experience.
Participants engaged in “Cocina Más Colectiva”, a methodology where attendees, seated at different tables, collectively prepared charquicán, a traditional Chilean dish reflective of La Alameda’s history. During the cooking process, activities and discussions explored participants’ interests and ideas for activating Nueva Alameda.
The event successfully gathered ideas for project activations and secured participants’ commitment to actively support the project.
Second Event: “Take Care of La Alameda, La Alameda Takes Care of You”
This event took place in September 2024 at Paseo Bulnes and aimed to inform stakeholders about the progress and density of projects underway. It emphasized a holistic approach to public safety and community ownership of the urban axis.
Discussions centered on public safety as both a community responsibility ("taking care of La Alameda is everyone’s responsibility") and a state mandate ("Nueva Alameda addresses safety through patrol programs and public space projects").
The event highlighted cultural and recreational activities as key elements for activating the axis and included training for neighborhood organizations to implement El Gran Malón de La Nueva Alameda, a large-scale communal event aimed at reducing crime and fostering community bonds. Research shows that urban gatherings like these can reduce neighborhood crime by up to 23%.
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
In 2023, we actively supported the Metropolitan Regional Government in the recovery of La Alameda, Santiago's main avenue.
The project includes various interventions aimed at redefining this critical urban axis by placing people at its center. The initiatives include Facade Restoration and Maintenance, Plaza Italia, Nudo Pajaritos and Santiago Bueras Park, and Public Space Conservation and Improvement.
Facade and Sidewalk Cleaning and Restoration:
This was the initial step, addressing the most visible signs of deterioration along the central axis. The intervention covered 60,000 m² of facades and public spaces and 150,000 m² of sidewalks, stretching from Plaza Italia to Pajaritos. The aim is to restore public and private buildings, as well as 14 historical monuments.
Additionally, numerous activations and events involving key stakeholders were organized to redefine this urban axis with a people-centered approach.
Nueva Alameda Activations:
First Activation: “Las Delicias de Alameda”
This event marked the first milestone of the project, bringing together key stakeholders from the Alameda axis for a communal lunch. The goal was to foster connections and organize future project activations.
Participants shared ideas to activate the axis, and attendees expressed their willingness to actively engage in the project.
Nueva Alameda Mobile Unit:
A mobile unit was deployed to different points along the axis to showcase project progress and promote initiatives revitalizing La Alameda. It also served as an interactive tool to engage citizens, share information, and gather their feedback on the project.
Las Delicias of Alameda
Take Care of La Alameda, La Alameda Takes Care of You
Las Delicias of Alameda
Nueva Alameda Mobile Unit:
To bring the project closer to citizens, the Nueva Alameda Mobile Unit began touring the city, with its first stop at the intersection of Paseo Ahumada and Alameda, near Universidad de Chile Metro station.
The mobile unit aims to share updates on project progress and initiatives revitalizing La Alameda, while engaging citizens through activities such as trivia challenges about the past and future of this iconic urban space. (Claudio Orrego)