Question

The Miracle of Medellin
In July of this year, my friends and I, all urban planning students, went to visit Medellin, the second- biggest city in Colombia. We were amazed by what we found. Medellin was once known as the world capital of violence. Innocent people were constantly caught in the crossfire between the drug gangs that ruled the comunas, or slum neighbourhoods. Even the police were too scared to set foot in Medellin. Today, however, the murder rate has fallen by 80%. Surprisingly, an escalator is one of the main reasons for this miraculous change. The comunas, built on mountainsides too steep for buses or cars, were cut off from the centre of the city. Residents had to climb the equivalent of a 28-storey building to return home, making it impossible for many to commute. Now, however, they can take a giant outdoor escalator up the mountain in a six-minute o journey that is free of charge. Built in 2011, it has turned an exhausting trek into an effortless ride. This trip made The escalator wasn't the first innovative transport in Medellin. In 2004, a cable car system was built, connecting parts of the slums to the city US realise the centre. The metal and glass gondolas transport tens of thousands of importance of residents each day. The windows all around let in stunning views of the urban planning. narrow roads and colourful roofs beneath. How can urban planning make such a difference? Innovative mayors and saios city planners realised that isolation of the slums was causing great social inequality. Lack of access to the city jobs and facilities, such as shops and clinics, was making life impossibly difficult. "Now," says María, a comuna resident we spoke to, "we feel we are equal citizens. We can commute to work and 20 enjoy the city, just like everyone else. They should have done this years ago." As part of Medellin's urban renewal, community centres have been built and schools have been renovated. Narrow alleys have been cleared to make space for parks, playgrounds, gardens and a walkway providing spectacular views of the city and mountains. Without the escalator and cable car, which provide access for builders, workers and teachers, this would not have been possible. 25 Sitting with residents in a local café, we could see that they were proud that the comunas attract tourists. They're also a model for successful urban change, which brings city planners from all over the world. Not everything is perfect, though. Crime rates are down, but levels of poverty and unemployment remain high. "Sure, there are many problems that we must solve, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else," says María. This trip made us realise the importance of urban planning. Done wisely, it can really 30 make a significant difference to people's lives. ​

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