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Medellín – The Andean Biodome Project (ENG)

Medellín, Colombia—a city once synonymous with turbulence—has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Known for its metrocable system and urban renewal projects like the Jardín Circunvalar, Medellín has shown the world how innovation can redefine a city's narrative. But as the Andean metropolis continues to grow, it faces new challenges: urban sprawl, biodiversity loss, and the pressing need for climate resilience.
January 2, 2025 by
Medellín – The Andean Biodome Project (ENG)
Plena Project, Laura Arango Eusse

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Plena Project Vision:

The Andean Biodome Project envisions Medellín as a living laboratory for regenerative urbanism. By creating a network of biodomes—self-sustaining ecosystems integrated into the cityscape—Medellín will blend cutting-edge technology with Andean ecological wisdom. These biodomes will:

  • Act as biodiversity corridors, reconnecting fragmented habitats for native species like Andean fauna and orchids.
  • Provide climate regulation, capturing carbon and mitigating heat island effects.
  • Serve as community hubs, offering spaces for education, recreation, and cultural exchange.

Each biodome is powered by solar panels, uses AI-driven water recycling systems, and incorporates biophilic design principles to foster harmony between people and nature.

Innovative Touch:

Beyond traditional green spaces, the biodomes include:

  1. HoloHabitats: Augmented reality experiences where citizens can "walk" with Andean wildlife, fostering an emotional connection to nature.
  2. Edible Forests: Vertical gardens inside the biodomes that provide free produce to local communities while demonstrating urban agriculture.
  3. Biodiversity Blockchain: A digital ledger where citizens earn tokens for participating in conservation activities, redeemable for local services or eco-friendly products.

Key Themes:

  • Regenerative Cultures: The project draws from Andean traditions of reciprocity (ayni), emphasizing a balance between giving and taking from the environment.
  • Innovative Technologies: Leveraging AI, blockchain, and AR to create a participatory and inclusive conservation movement.
  • Community-Centric Design: Ensuring that every citizen, from schoolchildren to elderly residents, has access to and ownership of these biodomes.

Global Relevance:

The Andean Biodome Project is more than a local initiative—it’s a model for the world. Cities everywhere grapple with the challenges of urbanization and biodiversity loss. Medellín’s project demonstrates how cities can serve as ecosystems themselves, not just places where people live.

Let's make it real:

Medellín has always been a city of reinvention. The Andean Biodome Project invites us to imagine a future where cities not only sustain life but actively regenerate it. Would you be up for designing futures that are as vibrant and resilient as the Andean landscapes?

Medellín – The Andean Biodome Project (ENG)
Plena Project, Laura Arango Eusse January 2, 2025
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