Sistemas de representación de la construcción: Casonas esquineras del Centro Histórico de Cuenca entre el siglo XIX y XX

Abstract

This research analyzes the historic buildings located along a section of Simón Bolívar Street in the Historic Center of Cuenca through the notion of representation of construction developed by Helio Piñón, understood as architecture’s capacity to visually reorganize the constructive fact through an autonomous formal system. Using a qualitative methodology structured in three stages—theoretical foundation, reasoned catalog, and urban analysis— an in situ survey of the buildings along the selected section was conducted. Initially, twelve case studies were identified, followed by the analysis of fifty-eight buildings classified according to their formal characteristics and degree of ornamentation. The study identified two classification criteria: the formal logic of the compact volume, linked to French Neoclassicism and characterized by trabeated compositions, pilasters, and other ornamental elements; and the formal logic of the vertical landmark, associated with both Neoclassicism and Romanticism, defined by the use of arches, engaged columns, greater ornamental autonomy, and a composition that emphasizes verticality. Cartographic representation of the buildings revealed a concentration of both classification criteria and of the highest levels of ornamentation in the sector between Calderón Park and San Sebastián, while their frequency decreases toward San Blas. Finally, the research relates these findings to the historical processes of social differentiation, economic prosperity, French cultural influence, and urban modernization experienced by Cuenca between the late nineteenth century and the mid- twentieth century. The study demonstrates that formal analysis constitutes a valid tool for understanding heritage architecture beyond traditional stylistic classifications.