LXXVII. Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru —Jordan Lindberg
Lima, Peru
Lima is the capital and largest metropolitan area of Peru. The Rimac River runs through the city marking the divide between residential and commercial districts. The city is located along the mid western coast of Peru along the waters edge of the Pacific Ocean. Lima’s geography extends from sea level up to the bottom of the Andes, creating a land of coast, desert, and jungle.
Population:
Urban: 10,432,133 people
Metro: 10,390,464 people
Rural: 41,728 people
Area:
Urban: 825.88 km2
Metro: 2,672.28 km2
Population Density:
Urban Average: 3,904 people/km2
Metro Average:12,600 people/km2
Politics:
The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima is the administrative and governing body of Lima. The Mayor is the highest authority and is selected every four years by popular vote. Unlike other provinces in Peru, Lima does not belong to a regional government. The mayoral duties include budget and developmental plans, transportation, parks, sanitation, and more. Alongside the mayor is the city council that approves local ordinances, developmental plans and budgets. There are 43 districts in Lima with their own mayors and councils and there are 21 main offices.
TYPOLOGY STUDY
NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS
Neighborhood 1:
Neighborhood 2:
Neighborhood 3:
Sources:
Informal Infrastructures of the Barriadas
Informal Infrastructures of the Barriadas maintain the site’s existing mountain topography while addressing resource inequalities within the barriadas of Lima, Peru. The architecture uses a stacked system similar to the barriadas, but introduces voids between and beneath structures to allow larger roads for water trucks to reach higher elevations. Water stations are placed within close proximity to ensure accessible distribution throughout the community.
The buildings incorporate two additional methods of water access: rainwater collection and atmospheric water absorption. Due to limited rainfall, absorbent materials become essential in capturing moisture from the air. The neighborhood includes a mix of private and public spaces, with small to large-scale residences. Ground-floor shops activate shared courtyard spaces, while gardens fill niches between buildings. A central trade market weaves between housing blocks, supporting the existing culture of exchange within the barriadas. Public amenities such as schools, churches, and medical centers are distributed throughout.
