Influencia de la Participación Ciudadana en la Recuperación de Espacios Públicos: Estudio en el Barrio Sevilla de Oro en la Ciudad de Loja, Ecuador

Abstract

The management of public space requires citizen participation to involve its inhabitants in improvements for a better quality of life, hence the importance of knowing the perception of satisfaction of those involved. The general objective was to evaluate, from the perception of satisfaction of the community, the strategies of citizen participation implemented in the public space called: "Colors of our history" in the Sevilla de Oro Neighborhood in Loja, Ecuador, carried out between 2018 and 2023. A field methodology was used, descriptive, with mixed approach, using a survey questionnaire and focus groups. The survey revealed that of the 124 respondents, 90% are satisfied with the implementation of the project, 98% felt included in decision making, 96% consider that the project reflects the needs and preferences of the community, 92% believe that citizen participation was effective in improving public space, 90% are satisfied with the design of the EERSSA stairways, 88% consider that they represent a safe and welcoming public space, for individual and collective enjoyment, 96% believe that they contribute to a better quality of life, 90% revealed to be satisfied with the management of the urban planning project. Based on the focus groups, they value citizen participation strategies for the transformation of public space. They highlighted cooperation, involvement, commitment, a sense of belonging, and empowerment. It is concluded that, based on residents' perceptions of satisfaction, citizen participation strategies were positive in transforming urban spaces, as they promote social interactions, mutual understanding, and safe and peaceful coexistence.