Sustainable post-tsunami reconstruction master plan for Constitución, Chile

The sustainable post-tsunami reconstruction master plan for Constitución, Chile is a landscape, urban design and infrastructure project that envisions natural solutions to natural threats. The city of Constitución, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Santiago, was struck by an earthquake and tsunami in 2010 and its reconstruction needed to consider the possibility of similar risks in the future.

The master plan by ELEMENTAL S.A proposes planting large stretches of flood-prone land along the banks to break the waves, rather than building a massive, man-made barrier which could be overcome by the force of the storm.
Spacious public areas will be created along the banks of the water, compensating for a lack of inner-city recreation space and creating a buffer zone between the water and the built environment. This will also help dissipate rainwater runoff and avoid consequent flooding.
The buildings behind the planted trees will have restrictions on the use and layout of ground floor areas, and an evacuation plan is included.
The architects hope to ensure long-term preservation for the city and encourage community participation. The master plan was awarded the Silver prize in the 2011 Regional Holcim Awards for Latin America, and construction is scheduled to begin in January 2012.
 

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