Rehabilitación de edificación VAR-B para uso de vivienda en el Centro Histórico de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The historic center of Cuenca constitutes one of the most representative spaces of the city, not only for its heritage and architectural value, but also for the diverse social interactions it hosts. However, in recent years it has undergone a process that has reduced its residential function, placing greater emphasis on the commercial sector. Factors such as the displacement of the population toward the periphery have caused a shift in the area’s primary land use, leaving it with fewer permanent residents. In response to this problem, the present research proposes the architectural rehabilitation of a building classified as VAR-B, under a multifamily/mixed-use housing modality. The building located at Benigno Malo 6-72, in the vicinity of Plaza San Francisco in the city’s historic center, is used as the case study. This proposal is aimed at defining and applying architectural design guidelines that are coherently integrated into the surrounding context and respectful of the building’s architectural value. Through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the case study, an intervention proposal is developed in response to these guidelines. Finally, it is expected to obtain a proposal that demonstrates the established guidelines and promotes the conservation of the building’s heritage values along with the recovery of its residential use.