Research Project Name
Advancing Equity in Latin America’s Built Environment
What We Did
Urban development in Latin America has long been shaped by economic disparities, uneven access to resources, and systemic barriers that limit inclusive growth. Despite rapid urbanization and increasing investments in infrastructure, many communities remain underserved, with public spaces, housing, and essential services failing to meet the needs of diverse populations. These inequities manifest in social segregation, environmental degradation, and limited economic mobility — reinforcing cycles of marginalization.
At the outset of this research, a key question emerged: What is Gensler’s role as an actor on the equity landscape in Latin America? A central insight from this early phase was that we must act as an articulator — a thought leader who helps public and private partners ideate and implement responsible, inclusive development. We must articulate, lead, and advocate for a relational understanding of equity.
This vision helped shape the purpose behind LUPA (Laboratorio Urbano Participativo, or Urban Participatory Lab) as a platform: to position urban design not as a neutral background, but as a driver of social transformation. Through a multidisciplinary exploration of urban resilience, land accessibility, community engagement, and inclusive design, this research uncovers how cities can better serve all citizens — and how equity can become a foundational principle in Latin America’s evolving urban landscape.
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Team
Mauricio Otarola, Ana Thomas, Christian Wolff, Elena Arrea, Emma Grun, Felipe Ramirez, Fernando Zabala, Guillermo Aroca, Jean Carlo Matarrita, Karen Jauregui, Maria Paula Saenz, Mauricio Valenzuela, Raquel Brenes, Samuel Bermúdez Ureña
Year Completed
2024
Comments or ideas for further questions we should investigate?