Bogotá: An analysis of urban design, transportation, and accessibility in a developing, sustainable city

Abstract

Bogotá is a complex city, one that has evolved for hundreds of years, and has always been framed by the ebb and flow of large amounts of people. In this case study, I hope to evaluate modern urban design plans through the context of social equality. Enrique Peñalosa, a former mayor of Bogotá, frames the problem third world countries have eloquently “If we in the Third World measure our success or failure as a society in terms of income, we would have to classify ourselves as losers until the end of time,” declares Peñalosa. “So with our limited resources, we have to invent other ways to measure success. This might mean that all kids have access to sports facilities, libraries, parks, schools, nurseries.” For decades Colombia has been plagued by violence brought on by the drug trade and its gangs. Bogotá was perhaps the first city in Bogotá to try and curb the violence through urban upgrades, and was very influential throughout the entire country. Through examination of the history of Bogotá, its land use patterns, transit approaches, affordable housing projects, public parks, and libraries, a thorough picture of the city’s urban design will be painted.