Bonilla caminable antofagasta

Participatory Recovery in Bonilla: A Model of Community Transformation

As part of the Plan Unidos por Bonilla, Ciudad Emergente, together with CREO Antofagasta, the Municipality, and the local community, led a tactical urbanism project to recover a degraded public space. The intervention covered 1,200 m², where actions such as cleaning, design, and community activation transformed a waste dump into a functional and safe place. During the cleanup, more than 3 tons of waste were removed, and green areas, painted pedestrian crossings, urban furniture, and playgrounds for children were incorporated.

The recovery of the space was carried out through a highly participatory process. Students from the Liceo Los Arenales and Escuela Elmo Funes worked in workshops to co-design solutions inspired by the murals and colors of the local identity. These efforts were complemented by participatory design activities where local residents proposed ideas to improve road safety and encourage the use of public space. Daniela Balbontín, architect at Ciudad Emergente and project leader, emphasized the impact of the joint work: "This project not only recovered the space but also strengthened the community's self-management and commitment to maintaining it."

Waste management was supported by the collaboration of Demarco S.A., who installed a dumpster to facilitate waste collection and ensure the maintenance of the restored area. This action not only cleaned the sector but also raised awareness about the importance of preserving public spaces.

Result:

The result was the creation of a temporary plaza, a space that has brought the community together again and is projected as the foundation for a more permanent intervention. The residents see this place as a definitive meeting point, designed to foster coexistence, recreation, and well-being.

The project reflects the power of collaborative work between communities, organizations, and local stakeholders to build more inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities. This type of participatory intervention serves as a replicable model for other urban areas facing similar challenges.