One of the purposes of this study tour is to observe the nature of public spaces created on 'post-industrial' sites. Morovia is a suburb on the north of Medellin built entirely on a rubbish dump. The dump was started in 1972 and the city´s poor would follow the path of the rubbish trucks as they wound their way up the hillside. The first dwellings were constructed alongside this winding path, using materials recycled from the dump, and the streets now follow that same winding path. Houses were constructed using whatever material was available, although the local Medellin red brick dominates.
Due to ongoing concerns about the stability of the landfill, the local authority has instituted a policy of relocating residents into new purpose-built apartment buildings. Once a family is relocated the old house is demolished and a series of totem flags is installed on the site. The policy has not been universally welcomed.
Less than two weeks ago a new Cultural Centre was opened in the centre of Morovia. More detail about the centre will be posted in a separate entry.
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