Comuna 13 is an area in Medellin, Colombia, that was once plagued with violence.
Comuna 13 is an area in Medellin, Colombia, that was once plagued with violence.
High up on the city's hillside, steep roads made it impossible for vehicles to access Comuna 13. Its 12,000 residents had to hike the equivalent of 28 stories from the city, until a 384-meter escalator was built.
High up on the city's hillside, steep roads made it impossible for vehicles to access Comuna 13. Its 12,000 residents had to hike the equivalent of 28 stories from the city, until a 384-meter escalator was built.
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Opened in 2011, it has become a model for urban planning globally.
Opened in 2011, it has become a model for urban planning globally.
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
"It is really beautiful, because [since] the construction, we [have] never heard anything about violence in this place," said its architect, Carlos Escobar.
"It is really beautiful, because [since] the construction, we [have] never heard anything about violence in this place," said its architect, Carlos Escobar.
AFP/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Another transport innovation, a cable car system was built in 2004, linking other parts of Medellin's suburbs to the city center.
Another transport innovation, a cable car system was built in 2004, linking other parts of Medellin's suburbs to the city center.
The system carries 20,000 passengers a day,
The system carries 20,000 passengers a day,
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Tranvia streetcar is expected to come on line in Medellin in 2016.
The Tranvia streetcar is expected to come on line in Medellin in 2016.
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Built in Belgium, it is made specifically for Medellin's hilly terrain, and uses rubber tires.
Built in Belgium, it is made specifically for Medellin's hilly terrain, and uses rubber tires.
RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images