New Cultural Heritage and Environmental Projects in Ciudad Colon Build Community

An anthropological museum and craft training center in the University of Peace as well as a natural park are all in the plans to be built this this year. These three architectural projects will create public spaces for the local population to gather and celebrate their cultural heritage as well as the natural environment. These projects are being designed to create community and foster dialogue among local people as well as preserve the historical cultural memory. They will be significant additions to the area and have a lasting impact on shaping the development of Ciudad Colon.

CANTONAL MUSEUM

The Cantonal Museum is an anthropological museum that celebrates the cultural history. Located on one side of the old market of Mora, the museum will have two levels, within which there will be an area dedicated to pre-Columbian history and the canton. There will be rooms for temporary exhibitions, a theater room, a square of sculptures, and a gallery which shows work generated by local artists. There will also be a Gazebo garden with a library and a classroom for workshops, as well as other gathering and meeting spaces.

The intent of area is to create public spaces for the community. According to the mayor of the district of Mora, Gilberto Monge, these structures will complement existing ones, the so-called old market which includes a farmers’ market, a youth house, park and church. It’s a town center for community cultural, religious, business and leisure activities to be carried out.

The museum will be a total area of 1,7000 square meters and collaborating with the Museums of Costa Rica. The project will cost an estimated $800 million CRD. The building will incorporate a combination of concrete, metal, ceramic and wood into its design to create a simple modern style that blends with the style of the current local market. The museum will also include outdoor garden space for people to gather and interact.

ARTISAN WORKSPACE

The university is also building a center for crafts and artists. The artisan workspace area will be designed in such a way that the public can watch the artists work. Construction is expected to start next year and cost around $190 million CRD. The funding will come from the National Director of Community Development. The initiative also includes the Association of Artisans of the district of Mora. It is an important part of both preserving and fostering the continuation of the local culture and heritage by supporting the local artisans and providing them with a community space to create and design that is easily accessible to the public at large.

CRISTOBAL NATURAL PARK AND RECREATIONAL AREA

Also planned for the area is the Cristobal Natural Park and Recreational area. The area will serve the communities of Biriteca, Bermudez and Carvaial and Cristobal. The area passes through the Pacacua River, which is contaminated and in the process of a massive clean up. Part of the plan is to generate awareness among the locals of the need to take care of the river and not contaminate it. To carry out this project, citizens participated in workshops and it is very much a community supported project. In the park, there will be a space for children to play, exercise equipment, outdoor theater, meeting areas and other community facilities.

It is estimated that the project will start construction next year. For this purpose, it obtained resources from the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements through the communal bonds. The estimated cost is $500 million CRD, and the design will be part of the SIGNATURE TO01 Architects.

These three projects are significant developments to the community that will have a lasting positive impact on supporting the local culture and heritage while creating public meeting spaces for people to connect and engage in a dialogue that strengthens the overall well being of the community at large. They support both the cultural and artistic expression of the locals. While the museum perseveres the past cultural history, the artisan space nurtures the present and future of cultural memory and traditions. Meanwhile, the natural park supports the preservation of a healthy environment. All three projects create positive public meeting spaces that support and strengthen community.