Apropiación de los espacios públicos teniendo como recurso la peatonalización de calles. Caso de estudio Casco Central de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of the following study is to generate public spaces in the Center of the city Loja through the identification and urban characterization of empty areas to create new public spaces tied to sustainable urban values like pedestrianization, bikeways, public transport, green areas and multipurpose areas. The public space of the center of the city has been reducing due to giving priority to cars over pedestrian and bike mobility, reason why public spaces are limited by roads, where contamination by gas emission, temperature rise, and environmental deterioration prevails. On the other hand, urban development generates empty areas of which pedestrians could be benefiting from as public spaces, allowing citizens to meet each other, leisure and have recreational activities. Besides, there can also be created charming places, and green areas that enhance the historical center ornament. The methodology consisted of identifying empty areas, characterize them based on sustainable values and their spatial integration with pedestrian, bike, and public transportation connectivity space. Strategies were subsequently formulated to turn the empty areas into public spaces that allow public interaction. Taking advantage on empty areas of historical centers is important because it prevents them from turning into waste piling or dangerous areas. Furthermore, the turning of empty areas into green spaces in a human scale, allows pedestrians to appropriate and occupy streets, squares, and sidewalks of the historic center while they can enjoy these spaces.