Community Fog Catcher Prototype
by Alsar-Atelier + Oscar Zamora
Barrio San Luis, Bogotá, Colombia
Project details
Year
2024
Project year
2023
Land area
25 m²
Project website
Team credits
architects
- Alsar Atelier -
Alejandro Saldarriaga
Oscar Zamora
- Maya Tejedores de la Tierra -
Caesar Salomon
- Colombian Society of Architects -
Felipe Encino
Nestled in the low-lying areas of Barrio San Luis, an informal neighbourhood in Bogotá, Colombia, the Community Fog Catcher is the first of two projects initiated by the local organization Maya Tejedores de La Tierra. Despite its proximity to water sources, Barrio San Luis has historically struggled to meet water demand due to its altitude of 2,558 m above sea level and challenging topography. However, the local stratocumulus clouds create an ideal environment for atmospheric water collection through fog catchers. This sustainable harvesting method not only meets drinking water standards but also supports irrigation for local food production, thereby enhancing food security.
This innovative project aims to enhance food security and sovereignty through urban agriculture and water harvesting, promoting responsible and sustainable consumption practices within the San Luis community.
Constructed by community members for their own use, the design of the Fog Catcher addresses the critical water scarcity prevalent in areas lacking access to the local aqueduct system. The prototype is designed for easy replication without the need for specialized knowledge or machinery. It comprises cold-formed steel frames covered with white polypropylene netting, capable of collecting up to 350 litres of airborne water per day through its façade and a system of PVC pipes. In addition to water harvesting, the structure features an irrigation system that supports a small greenhouse, thus directly contributing to the community’s food growth.
The collected water serves various household needs, significantly reducing dependence on municipal sources and promoting resilience among surrounding households. As one of four initiatives selected for the Botanical Garden’s agro-ecological route in the Chapinero locality, the Fog Catcher reflects a commitment to diversity and female leadership. The project has evolved from workshops focused on crafts and herbalism to include water collection, following extensive consultations with local community members who contributed to the planning and design phases.
This participatory approach fostered a sense of ownership and pride within the community while building local capacity through training sessions. By empowering residents with the knowledge needed to maintain the infrastructure, the project emphasizes long-term sustainability.
The Fog Catcher symbolizes political resilience in a territory often neglected by authorities, acting as a visible monument and an act of protest. It celebrates traditional water collection practices while honouring the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Muisca people.
The project was brought to fruition through the collaborative efforts of Alsar-Atelier, Oscar Zamora, Caesar Salomon, the Colombian Society of Architects and local community members. It was initiated by Salomon and Alejandro Saldarriaga, leader of Maya Tejedores de la Tierra. Their mission began with the donation of a prototype to address local challenges.
The team prioritizes participatory development, actively involving the community in the project’s conception and implementation. This engagement not only meets immediate needs but also equips residents with skills and confidence for future initiatives, fostering ownership and self-reliance – critical for long-term sustainability.
The project integrates artistic and practical ideas that emphasize community engagement, ecological awareness, and climate responsiveness. They combine theoretical expertise with a global purpose, creating solutions deeply embedded in the community’s social and cultural fabric. This approach reflects the Global South’s ethos, focusing on anti-alienation and recognizing the vital link between women and water in fostering territorial sustainability.
This initiative embodies hope while fostering a critical perspective that empowers communities to draw from existing legacies. By redefining resilience as a mindset intrinsic to the Global South, the team foregrounds community-driven action, advocating for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The prize money will be used to fund a newly designed and constructed facility at Colegio Campestre Monteverde in the San Luis neighbourhood of Bogotá. This structure will explore concepts of food sovereignty, water security and renaturalization in densely populated informal environments in South America. It will showcase innovative urban agriculture strategies, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, allowing students to learn about these processes and apply them at home or elsewhere. Additionally, the facility will feature a communal gathering space and an outdoor classroom where workshops will educate students on sustainable renaturalization practices, emphasizing water and food sovereignty in highly urbanized settings.
- Information for the project text was provided by Alsar-Atelier and Oscar Zamora -
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Advisory Committee Statement
‘Community Fog Catcher Prototype’ receives the award for Local Scale due to its simple and replicable approach towards water scarcity in regions without access to local aqueduct systems, a pressing issue affecting communities globally. While not entirely novel, its approach tackles a significant challenge in these areas. The project’s execution is elegantly integrated into the urban environment, making it a potential prototype for similar initiatives.