Caracterización de la edificación en el Periurbano de la Ciudad de Cuenca (Ecuador). Caso de Estudio: Parroquia Ricaurte

Abstract

This research aims to characterize the buildings in the peri-urban area of the parish of Ricaurte, located on the outskirts of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The study focuses on a specific area of the parish, selected due to its territorial and urban characteristics. It seeks to identify the architectural typologies that shape this territory, contributing to an understanding of urban growth dynamics within the context of the transition between rural and urban environments. A mixed methodological approach is adopted, combining qualitative techniques—such as direct observation of the built environment—with quantitative techniques based on the collection of structured data through characterization forms. These include variables such as building typology, construction materials, and state of conservation, among others. Additionally, tools such as photographic records and georeferencing through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are employed, along with methods such as Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which allow for the spatialization and more precise analysis of the data. The results include the classification of buildings according to their typology and the development of thematic cartography that spatially represents the identified typologies. The findings provide a better understanding of the processes and logics of building transformation in the parish of Ricaurte. These results constitute a valuable input for interpreting and guiding the development of Cuenca’s peri-urban areas, as well as for supporting urban planning and land-use management strategies, particularly in rapidly growing peri-urban zones surrounding the city of Cuenca.