Rebuilding Constitución A Story of Resilience and Innovation
Introduction
On February 27th, 2010, Chile faced a devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Constitución, one of the worst-hit areas, suffered extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life. In the aftermath, the urgency to rebuild was evident, but rushing without a plan could jeopardize the city’s future resilience.
The Call for a Masterplan
Forest company Arauco enlisted the expertise of Elemental to develop a comprehensive Masterplan for the reconstruction of Constitución. Given a tight deadline of 100 days, our task was not only to design public buildings and spaces but also to reimagine the city’s layout, transportation, energy infrastructure, and most importantly, to devise strategies to protect against future tsunamis.
Participatory Design: Engaging the Community
Recognizing the importance of citizen involvement, we initiated a participatory design process to inform our approach. Rather than prescribing solutions, our focus was on identifying the right questions. The community’s input was invaluable in shaping our understanding of the city’s needs and aspirations.
Addressing Geographical Threats Creatively
While exploring solutions to protect against tsunamis, we uncovered additional challenges faced by the residents: annual flooding due to rain and a lack of public space connected to the city’s identity. This led us to propose a novel idea: instead of resisting nature’s energy, why not leverage it? We envisioned a forest between the city and the sea—a natural buffer that could absorb and dissipate energy, prevent flooding, and provide much-needed public space.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
Despite the innovative proposal’s social and political validation, cost remained a significant hurdle. However, a survey revealed overlapping projects by different ministries in the same area, totaling more than the required budget. By streamlining coordination and reallocating resources, we managed to fund the forest project within the budget, demonstrating the power of efficient design and collaboration.
Conclusion: A Vision of Resilience and Sustainability
Today, the Meshersky forest stands as a testament to resilience and innovation. It embodies the principle that against geographical threats, geographical answers can be found. By engaging the community, thinking creatively, and optimizing resources, we have not only rebuilt Constitución but also laid the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future.
