Memories of Water in Colombia

Amphibious park system for ecological restoration

Memories of Water in Colombia

Amphibious park system for ecological restoration

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Restoration of rivers and revival of natural gardens revitalize the area, leading to increased public engagement on elevated boardwalks and observation decks.

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    Presentation of the Holcim Awards 2023 Acknowledgement for Latin America

    For Memories of Water, Rio Negro, Colombia (l-r): Laura Viscovich, Executive Director, Holcim Foundation; Tatiana Bilbao (Chair of Jury), Founder and Principal of Tatiana Bilbao Estudio, Mexico; Laura Daniela Urueña Serna and Juan Manuel Bernal Arias, Geográfica Sur; Juan David Torres Rojas, Rojas Arquitectos; Juan José Vargas Castillo, TAP Arquitectura; Gustavo Adolfo Salazar Cosme, Cosme Landscape Architecture; and Priya Pawar, Program Manager – Holcim Awards, Holcim Foundation.

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    Holcim Awards 2023 prize announcement - Memories of Water

    Presenting the Holcim Awards 2023 Acknowledgement winner for Latin America - Memories of Water.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Family parks, civil walks.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Elevated trails, amphibious walks.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Observatory bridge.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Water territory master plan.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Master plan.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Water scenarios.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Park walks.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Floodable agora.

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    Memories of Water in Colombia

    Riverside observatory.

  • Awards Acknowledgement 2023 Latin America

An amphibious park system located on a floodplain that seeks to reinvigorate its territory with habitat revitalization strategies that reconcile and strengthen the living dynamic of the natural and urban landscape.

By Gustavo Adolfo Salazar Cosme - Cosme Landscape Architecture, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia; Juan Manuel Bernal Arias, Laura Daniela Urueña Serna - Geográfica Sur, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia; Juan José Vargas Castillo - TAP Arquitectura, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia; Juan David Torres Rojas - Rojas Arquitectos, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia and

Colombia is a country with enormous water potential and is committed to recognizing and reconciling with its ecological assets that have been degraded by a lack of urban planning. Rio Negro is located at the confluence of a territory of watersheds woven by the mountains and crossed by the river, and as such faces the challenges to become an ecologically responsible city. Its accelerated growth has marked a notable imbalance with nature, exposing vulnerable environments to flooding, and generating a collective lack of awareness of its own habitat.

Memories of Water

Project authors

  • Gustavo Adolfo Salazar Cosme

    Cosme Landscape Architecture

    Colombia

  • Juan Manuel Bernal Arias

    Geográfica Sur

    Colombia

  • Juan José Vargas Castillo

    TAP Arquitectura

    Colombia

  • Laura Daniela Urueña Serna

    Geográfica Sur

    Colombia

  • Juan David Torres Rojas

    Rojas Arquitectos

    Colombia

  • Paulo Andres Escruceria

    EMS Arquitectos

    Colombia

Memories of Water in Colombia

Family parks, civil walks.

The Memories of  Water project, located on the floodplain, seeks to reinvigorate its territory, reconciling and strengthening the living dynamic of the natural and urban landscape. It implements habitat revitalization strategies that strengthen the river as an ecological connector and acknowledge the impact of water through cultural programs. This includes re-adapting and transforming public space infrastructure into an amphibian park system that coexists with flooding, and allows a healthy coexistence between the river and its riparian communities. Elements of the project include park walks including elevated trails and amphibious walks, a commercial pavilion, floodable agora, and riverside observatory. The project contributes to restoring soils, increasing drainage capacity of the floodplain, and promoting the recovery of native vegetation. The role of water as a sculptor of territory and an intrinsic element of the landscape is fully acknowledged.

Project status: Under construction (since January 2023).

Demonstrating a deep commitment to engaging and uplifting the local community. Holcim Awards 2023 Jury for Latin America

Holcim Awards 2023 prize announcement - Memories of Water

Presenting the Holcim Awards 2023 Acknowledgement winner for Latin America - Memories of Water.

Project authors

  • Juan Manuel Bernal Arias

    Architect, Geográfica Sur

    Colombia

  • Paulo Andres Escruceria

    Architect, EMS Arquitectos

    Colombia

  • Gustavo Adolfo Salazar Cosme

    Architect, Cosme Landscape Architecture

    Colombia

  • Juan David Torres Rojas

    Architect, Rojas Arquitectos

    Colombia

  • Laura Daniela Urueña Serna

    Architect, Geográfica Sur

    Colombia

  • Juan José Vargas Castillo

    Architect, TAP Arquitectura

    Colombia

Jury appraisal

The jury panel was highly impressed with this sustainable design project, which offers a park system that significantly improves ecosystems and revitalizes local habitat. The project’s relevance for the Latin American region is evident, as water bodies are often neglected despite their crucial ecological importance. The project delivers a powerful message, highlighting the urgent need to revalue and recover rivers and overall aquatic systems, making it an essential topic not only for the region but also for global environmental consciousness. 

The project serves as a compelling call to action, inspiring positive change for the planet. The jury recognized the high quality of the design and implementation strategies, which showcase potential for this project to serve as a model for other regions facing similar ecological challenges. Its adaptability and potential for broader application make it a promising solution for sustainable park systems in various locations.

Memories of Water in Colombia

Observatory bridge.

Project updates