Ciudadelas
Ciudadelas are large, affordable residential complexes that have been integral to urban housing solutions in Ciudad Real, Santander, in the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie. These complexes were conceptualized as part of Mayor Federico Mercurio's urban renewal and improvement agenda, the "New Dawn Initiative," launched in 1699 AN. Designed to be self-sustaining and efficiently organized within a compact, 15-minute-city style layout, Ciudadelas aim to provide comprehensive living solutions that cater to the diverse needs of urban populations.
Design and Inspiration
The architectural design of the Ciudadelas was masterminded by renowned Wechua architect, Renata Illari, whose expertise in blending traditional Wechua architectural principles with modern sustainability practices has defined the aesthetics and functionality of these complexes. Collaborating closely with Mayor Mercurio, Illari infused the Ciudadelas with elements of Wechua culture, ensuring that each residential complex not only complements the environmental landscape but also strengthens the cultural fabric of the community. The design features of the Ciudadelas include modular housing units, communal gardens that promote biodiversity, and integrated commercial and recreational spaces, all arranged to ensure that essential services and amenities are reasonably within a 15-minute walk for all residents.
Typically, a Ciudadela spans approximately 20 hectares and is configured in a radial layout. This design maximizes the use of space while minimizing travel time within the complex. The core of the Ciudadela houses communal facilities and commercial spaces, surrounded by residential buildings that radiate outward. The residential units are modular, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom family homes, allowing for flexibility in accommodation based on residents' needs. Each unit averages between 45 square meters for a one-bedroom and 110 square meters for larger family units. The buildings are typically four to six stories high. Some buildings include elevators, others do not to encourage exercise and mingling between neighbors. Each Ciudadela includes extensive communal gardens and green spaces, which are central to the layout. These areas serve both ecological and social functions, promoting biodiversity and providing a venue for community interaction and recreation. The heart of each Ciudadela features a mix of shops, cafes, and workspace options, alongside recreational facilities like playgrounds, sports courts, and/or community centers.
Political Background and Implementation
Federico Mercurio was elected Mayor of Ciudad Real in 1698 AN after a highly contested election. Garnering 38.9% of the vote in the initial round and securing a majority of 51.2% in the subsequent runoff, his victory demonstrated strong public support for his progressive vision. Immediately upon assuming office, Mercurio launched the New Dawn Initiative, a comprehensive urban planning and renewal strategy designed to significantly enhance the quality of life within the city. The New Dawn Initiative was expansive, targeting key areas such as public libraries, education, healthcare, and public transportation. It aimed not just at physical infrastructure but also at creating a more integrated and accessible urban environment. The most ambitious component of this initiative was the development of the Ciudadelas, envisioned as self-sufficient, sustainable residential complexes that would address the acute housing shortage and improve community cohesion in Ciudad Real.
To oversee this sweeping transformation, Mercurio established the Urban Development Commission in 1699 AN, a pivotal move in ensuring the initiative's success. This new governmental body was composed of 20 distinguished professionals including city planners, environmental scientists, healthcare specialists, and notably, architect Renata Illari. Illari, renowned for her expertise in sustainable urban design, played a critical role in shaping the architectural vision of the Ciudadelas. Under the guidance of the Commission, the first phase of the Ciudadelas was rolled out in the northwestern sector of Ciudad Real, an area previously characterized by underutilized land and industrial decay. This pilot project, completed in 1702 AN, featured 500 housing units and was met with overwhelming demand, reaching full occupancy within six months of its inauguration. Its success was attributed not only to its affordability and strategic location but also to its comprehensive amenities, including a community center, a health clinic, and a primary school, all designed to foster a robust community life. Buoyed by this success, the initiative expanded, adding two more complexes by 1705 AN, bringing over 1,500 additional units to the market. These new complexes replicated the successful model of integrated commercial, recreational, and educational facilities, further reducing the city's homelessness rate and enhancing public satisfaction with urban living conditions.
In 1706 AN, an innovative governance and ownership model was introduced to ensure the long-term sustainability and community ownership of these complexes. Initially, all Ciudadelas were owned and managed by the city government. This was designed to stabilize the projects during their critical early years, ensuring that construction and community integration met the ambitious standards set out by the New Dawn Initiative. This government oversight period was set for a duration of 10 AN years, during which the city provided not only housing but also comprehensive management of all facilities and public services within each Ciudadela. In 1708 AN, as the first Ciudadela neared this 10-year milestone, Mayor Mercurio and the Urban Development Commission introduced a transition plan for the new model. Under this plan, the governance of each Ciudadela was to be handed over to a residents’ cooperative, established specifically for this purpose. These cooperatives were designed to be democratic organizations where all legal residents of the Ciudadela had a vote in the management and future development of their community. The transition to cooperative ownership was intended to empower residents, giving them direct control over their living environment and ensuring that the Ciudadelas remained responsive to the needs of their communities. Alternatively, the plan also allowed for the possibility of selling the Ciudadela to a private organization. Such a sale required a majority vote from all legal residents of the Ciudadela, ensuring that any decision to move away from cooperative ownership would be made collectively and democratically. This provision was put in place to maintain flexibility in the governance structures of the Ciudadelas, allowing residents to choose the management model that best suited their needs.
By 1710 AN, several Ciudadelas had transitioned to cooperative ownership, with many others preparing for the shift. This change marked a significant evolution in the Ciudadela project, reflecting a deepening commitment to community-led urban development. As of 1732 AN, the majority of the Ciudadelas operate under cooperative ownership, with a few having opted to partner with private entities following resident votes.
Impact and Legacy
The introduction of Ciudadelas has had a profound impact on Ciudad Real. These complexes have not only helped to alleviate the city's chronic homelessness issue but also has been proved by surveys and investigations from the Royal University of Parap and the University of Lausanne, to foster a stronger sense of community among residents who inhabit them. By offering affordable housing options in well-planned, self-contained environments, Ciudadelas quickly become a significantly popular model for urban development in other New Alexandrian cities facing similar challenges. The success of the Ciudadelas has contributed to Mayor Mercurio's reputation as a popular leader locally, which propelled him later on to retire from Mayor of Ciudad Real and pursue a national political career.
