Thinking about Urban Density Hypothesis on Ecuadorian Middle Cities

Antonio Di Campli

doi:10.13189/cea.2016.040301

Abstract

This paper proposes some reflection on the definition of urban densification strategies for Ecuadorian middle cities. The objective is twofold. On the one hand it is necessary to determine which in these contexts, are today the conditions under which it is possible and legitimate to prefigure a physical and functional urban space densification process. On the other hand, this research defines specific planning and design actions for a dense regeneration of Ecuadorian middle cities urban spaces. The hypothesis is that the solution of specific urban design problems and the redefinition of some forms of dwelling and social interaction at the proximity scale in more inclusive ways, in Ecuadorian medium sized cities, can be pursued through precise urban space densification strategies focused on the invention of particular devices space of social interaction characterized by a superposition of uses and functions able to define dense forms of use in actually residual spaces.

Highlights

The strategic hypothesis [of this work] based on space [...] sets itself up in the clear opposition to the homogenizing efforts of state, of political power, of the world market, and of the commodities world-tendencies [...] which find their practical expression through and in abstract space.[1]In Ecuadorian middle cities, the solution of specific urban design problems and the redefinition, in a more inclusive sense, of some forms of dwelling and social interaction at the case urban densification strategies focused on the invention of particular spatial ‘devices’ characterized by a superposition of uses and functions able to define dense forms of uses and social exchanges along residual environmental spaces and nets
The following text is articulated in three parts: the first part presents a reflection on some Latin American city characters and problems, the second part describes more precisely contemporary Ecuadorian middle cities problems, the last part identifies some urban densification strategies
The Latin American city is generally described by architects, planners and social science scholars, as an ‘extreme’ space marked by persistent and articulated processes of spatial and social fragmentation usually associated with images of indefinite and uncontrollable urban growths [4,5,6,7]

Summary

Introduction

The strategic hypothesis [of this work] based on space [...] sets itself up in the clear opposition to the homogenizing efforts of state, of political power, of the world market, and of the commodities world-tendencies [...] which find their practical expression through and in abstract space.[1]. Processes of growth and urban transformations that have characterized in recent years Ecuadorians middle cities tend to present themselves as more controllable than those featuring larger centers as middle cities appear to be less marked by phenomena of uncontrolled expansion of residential suburbs, urban violence and social insecurity that traditionally characterize urban landscapes of metropolitan cities In many cases, these dynamics are not devoid of dysregulations, but medium-sized cities have been able to define less conflictual, not fully integrated, conditions for cohabitation between different groups and social classes [10, 20, 21]. Investigations on Loja were conducted through urban and social analyses, interviews with local stakeholders and inhabitants that have highlighted some issues on characters, problems and dwelling practices in Loja. [FIG. 01]

Silent Dwelling

On the Surface

Protocols of Loja