Mega Projects, Human Capital Development and Urban Hope: School Infrastructure Projects in Bogota City During the Last 10 Years and Their Impacts, Effects and Significance for the Urban and Social Fabric

Abstract

The Golden Lion award for cities granted to Bogota at the 10th Venice Biennale in 2006 was an international recognition of a development vision that, through mega projects, achieved social inclusion, improved living standards, and strengthened urban hope. Between 1995 and 2007, three consecutive mayors pursued a strategy of physical reconstruction based on infrastructure projects in mobility, education, and environment. Initiatives included the Transmilenio BRT system, construction and renovation of more than 300 schools, three public libraries, and investments in public spaces, parks, bicycle paths, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and boulevards. With an investment of over €330 million in school facilities, primarily targeting children from the poorest sectors, Bogota significantly contributed to poverty reduction, social inclusion, urban regeneration, and improved quality of life. Framed by Becker’s notion of education and health as investments in human capital, the paper argues that the city’s educational infrastructure projects triggered processes of human capital development and urban reactivation, offering disadvantaged citizens new perspectives and hope for a better future. The study reflects on the impacts and significance of school infrastructure mega projects for Bogota’s social and urban fabric.