Saving Colombia, One Building at a Time

And expansion of Medellín's Museum of Modern Art brings the city's history of brilliant public spaces into its wealthier neighborhoods.

By now, Medellín is synonymous with progressive architecture. The Colombian city has scrubbed out the stigma of war and drugs with aggressive urban design strategies, set up by its former mayor, Sergio Fajardo, and its former director of urban projects, Alejandro Echeverri. Their plan was simple: better buildings in poor areas. Attractive public spaces, they...