Caracterización de la edificación en el periurbano de Cuenca, Ecuador Caso de estudio: Parroquia Sinincay

Abstract

This research aims to characterize the buildings located in the peri-urban area of the Sinincay parish, situated within the urban expansion zone of the city of Cuenca, with the purpose of identifying the predominant architectural typologies in the year 2025. The study addresses the issue of typological transformation resulting from peri-urbanization processes, which are manifested in the gradual replacement of vernacular architecture—originally characteristic of the parish—by contemporary buildings. The methodology adopts a mixed approach that combines qualitative techniques such as direct observation and photographic recording with quantitative methods based on standardized characterization forms. These forms incorporate technological and formal variables of the buildings, such as construction materials, number of floors, state of conservation, among others. The study area is defined in two stages: first, the mountainous zones of the parish are excluded; subsequently, census areas with building density are intersected to ensure the inclusion of inhabited and therefore built-up areas. Fieldwork employs digital tools to ensure precision and efficiency in data collection. The results will make it possible to establish a comprehensive typological classification, identify patterns of architectural transformation, and generate spatial visualizations that document the evolution of architectural typologies. This study represents the first systematic record of buildings in the peri-urban area of Sinincay, contributing to the understanding of change dynamics in rural-urban transition zones and providing a database for future research and territorial planning policies.