Constitución rebuilds

Much of the town is tucked in along the riverbanks. But the industrial zone, where this photo was taken, faces the Pacific, making it more vulnerable to tsunamis.

Constitución is an industry town and that industry is the lumber operation of the company Arauco. It too suffered losses during the tsunami — namely a sawmill that sat on the coast. Arauco helped finance the new plan for the city.

Part of the redevelopment plan consisted of moving structures away from the coast and instead using the space as parkland or for sports. In the event of another tsunami, this soccer field would suffer little damage. A plan for an Olympic-sized swimming pool is also in the works.

Drive through Constitución today and you will hear the hum of construction. Seen here: the city’s rebuilt Cathedral, which was severely damaged by the quake.

In addition to doing urban planning on Constitución, Elemental also designed some significant structures for the city, such as this new cultural center.

Part of the rebuilding plan involved creating more worker housing. Elemental built some of its signature social housing units: inexpensive half houses that allow the buyer to finish the construction in their own way and on their own schedule.

Also part of the plan: a series of seven shaded rest areas with a space to lock bicycles staggered along the coast. Designed by Elemental, the structures are part of a larger plan to make the coast more amenable to recreational use.

Just south of Constitución, the rugged coastline offers some pretty wondrous vistas.

A sign encourages visitors to the coastal areas, which are frequented on the weekends -- when Constitución residents go beyond the limits of their town in search of a little open space.