Project Overview The Unbearable Desire to Inhabit the Mountain is an architecture thesis by Juan Jose Lopez that addresses the complex history and fragmented urban landscape of Manizales, Colombia. The project proposes a structure that connects past and future, urban and natural environments, and Manizales' landscape and history. Key Principles The architectural design of the tower is guided by three core principles: memory, infiltration, and landscape. Memory emphasizes preserving the historical narrative of the San José ruins, ensuring the site's history and the experiences of its former inhabitants are not forgotten. Infiltration involves creating a permeable boundary between the urban environment and the surrounding natural landscape, allowing for the free movement of people, animals, and ideas through the tower. Landscape connects the tower to its geographical setting, underscoring the responsibilities that come with its presence and use within the natural and cultural environment. Design Process The design process began with a thorough analysis of the distinctive topographical and cultural aspects of Manizales, focusing on the city's fragmented landscape and complex history. The first step was to understand how the urban fabric interacts with the natural environment, particularly in relation to the ruins of the San José project. This analysis laid the groundwork for a design that aimed to connect the city with the surrounding mountains while preserving the historical significance of the site. Guided by these principles, the design naturally incorporated the tower as both a visual and physical landmark. The decision to embrace the ruins and create compensatory spaces for the community was driven by the need to address the social impact of displacement. Finally, the integration of the tower into a broader network of urban viewpoints echoed the city's tradition of using vertical elements to navigate its fragmented geography, establishing the tower as a central feature in the urban landscape. Final Outcome The tower acts as both a physical and symbolic bridge, connecting the past and future, the urban and natural environments, and the fragmented elements of Manizales' landscape and history. It addresses the architectural and social challenges posed by the city's unique topography and the legacy of the San José project, envisioning a future where the ruins are preserved as part of the city's heritage and where new development honors the complex narrative of the site.