Dispersed urban growth in the intermediate city and its impact on public space. A case study in Loja- Ecuador

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Urban growth in intermediate Latin American cities has given way to low-density, discontinuous peripheries. This uneven development negatively impacts the urban environment and quality of life. In this context, public spaces do not fulfill their structural function, they fail to generate connections between soil uses, recreation areas, and social exchange. OBJECTIVE This study proposes to fill a gap in existing research by focusing on the incidence of dispersed urban growth specifically in public space through the study case analysis. METHODOLOGY Using a descriptive and qualitative approach, dispersed urban growth is analyzed multidimensionally and the networks of public spaces are evacuated in terms of form, accessibility, uses, sociability, and identification. RESULTS The study area presents low and very low densities in about 70% of its area, soil and 30% of the area presents a continuity of the fabric and 76% of the area is intended for land use in this way it is evident that urban growth dispersion focuses on problems of connectivity, fragmentation, segregation, the marginalization that limit access to public space. DISCUSIÓN AND CONCLUSIONS The low density and limited diversity of users, erode social and economic dynamics, in this sense, the public space of the periphery limits its function to a minimum which deteriorates it further instead of contributing to urban quality.