Evaluating Gaps in Public Space in Panama City

In collaboration with the municipality of Panama City, the Inter-American Development Bank has launched a multi-faceted revitalization project in the historic neighborhood of El Chorrillo. As the leading development finance institution in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Bank provides technical and financial assistance to countries working to reduce poverty and inequality. Upon conducting a review of global and Latin American best practices in public space planning, the Capstone team identified spatial and social gaps about the project as it relates to El Chorrillo and further examined how the plans may be aligned with those best practices. Due to the historical and cultural significance the neighborhood has to all of Panama, a key challenge was to find potential solutions to issues facing the neighborhood without changing its identity. Final recommendations focused on participatory frameworks, inclusive infrastructure, community stewardship, and evaluation design. These recommendations will build on existing research from the Bank and further highlight areas of opportunity.