Daniel Coral Villota , Juan Diego Idrobo Bolivar
student
Universidad del Valle
Colombia
Architecture
Lu’Uma is an architectural project designed for La Guajira that responds to the region’s environmental and social crisis. Through modular spaces connected to… more
Roberto Zanini
advisor
Universita IUAV di Venezia
Italy
quality architecture that is born from the place, from the study of the site, the flows, the… more
The Lu’Uma project offers a thoughtful response to the environmental degradation and cultural needs of La Guajira. Its integration with jagüeyes as ecological and social nodes is a powerful strategy for landscape restoration. The inclusion of communal gardens, orchards, and flexible spaces rooted in Wayuu traditions strengthens the cultural relevance and participatory nature of the design. The use of modular steel structures enhances scalability and transport efficiency, which is appropriate for remote and arid contexts.
However, the exclusive use of steel raises questions about thermal performance and its resonance with vernacular materials and aesthetics. Incorporating passive cooling strategies or locally inspired finishes could help mediate this. Additionally, a clearer plan for water harvesting, energy independence, and spatial configuration between modules would improve the project’s environmental and functional coherence. With these refinements, Lu’Uma could serve as a replicable and resilient model for community-led ecological regeneration.