Join us for a unique discussion of Medellín, Columbia's transformation from one of the most violent cities in the world to a vital community whose new architecture carries the powerful message of social and educational inclusion.

"Our most beautiful buildings must be in our poorest areas": these are the words of former mayor of Medellin, Sergio Fajardo, who led the city's transformation with a team of architects, urban planners, social workers, community members, and technical and social experts. This transformation has continued with the current Mayor of Medellin, Alonso Salazar who keeps working to make this city a reference of hope for many other cities around the world.

Speakers include:
Moderator: Mark Robbins, Dean of the School of Architecture at Syracuse University, former Director of Design for the National Endowment for the Arts where he developed an aggressive program to strengthen design in the public realm; Matilda McQuaid, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Deputy Curatorial Director; Mauricio Valencia, an architect and current Planning Director of Medellin, and former Secretary of Public Works; and Federico Restrepo a civil engineer, the General Manager of EPM, and former Planning Director of Medellin; both worked closely on the transformation.

This event took place at the Cooper Union, Rose Auditorium, 41 Cooper Square, NYC.