Gillespies behind the new landscape designs for the ATRIO development in Bogotá, Colombia

Gillespies are behind the designs for the new public realm at ATRIO, a signature mixed-use commercial development in central Bogota. Colombia, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Colombian based architects El Equipo Mazzanti.

Located next to the junction of Avenida el Dorado and Avenida Caracas in the Colombian capital, the two-tower development provides a total of more than 250,000 square metres of office space, public services and retail space, alongside an additional 10,000 square metres of public space. Gillespies' designs for the emerging public realm - a space occupying two-thirds of the site's footprint - will provide a new cultural and vibrant landmark destination in the heart of the city.

Drawing inspiration from Bogota's dynamic and varied landscapes, the design focuses around five core themes - meandering nature, colour, flow of water, erosion and vertical landscapes, and art. These five themes have come together to form an exciting and diverse network of open spaces that will encourage pedestrian movement through the site to the city centre, and offer spaces for programmed activities and an active arts programme. Art and culture is an integral part of the design, informing the shape and diversifying the use of public spaces.

A framework of new streets and 'grand connections' link the new development to the surrounding streetscape and drive pedestrian movement through the site. The newly designed streetscapes and green entrances with bosques and planting, will distinguish ATRIO from the adjacent streets.

The project is due for completion in 2018.