El Encanto District
El Salvador
Project Type: Master Planning and Conceptual Design
Project Status: Completed
Dates: February 2020 – May 2020
Site Area: 590.75 acres
Team: Castillo Arquitectos (lead) + Plusurbia Design + Leon Sol arquitectos consultores + Zanetta Illustration
Client: JOR., S.A.
El Encanto District Master Plan was carried out during a Design Workshop called a “Charrette.” This was carried out at the El Encanto facilities in February 2020. During an intensive work session of 5 consecutive days, the designers collaborated with the client to define the project’s objectives, generate consensus regarding its vision, and represent a strategy for strategic projects to be developed in different stages of intervention in El Encanto. The Charrette began with an extensive reconnaissance visit to both Phase 1, the Huizúcar area, and the 68 blocks in San José Villanueva.
The resulting Master Plan that was developed responds to the needs of El Encanto and its stakeholders, providing a holistic approach to the District’s urban design. It features four strategic pillars: 1) Mobility, 2) Public Space & Infrastructure, 3) Housing, and 4) Landscape & Ecology. These four pillars address the various challenges faced by El Encanto. It defines the necessary strategies to improve mobility and connectivity, as well as an overall urban development plan; it proposes a mix of housing types and suggests ways to promote climate-resilient and green housing; finally, the Master Plan promotes a comprehensive approach to landscape design, with an emphasis on restoring natural areas and creating recreational spaces.
In all, El Encanto’s Master Plan is designed to help the city become a more livable, vibrant, and sustainable place for locals.
