Adaptación Formal y Funcional en el Diseño de Prototipos Habitacionales en el Barrio Ilincho, Saraguro

Abstract

Abstract: This research examines the relationship between traditional architecture and cultural identity within the community of Ilincho, in the canton of Saraguro, in the context of ongoing processes of housing standardization that have contributed to cultural disarticulation and the gradual loss of local identity. The study is guided by the question of how the formal and functional values embedded in traditional Saraguro dwellings can inform the design of housing prototypes capable of preserving cultural identity while addressing contemporary living needs. The relevance of this research lies in the recognition of traditional housing as a material expression of the Andean worldview and cultural practices of the community. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining a review of specialized literature with field observation, photographic documentation, and the application of technical survey sheets. This methodological framework enabled the identification and analysis of recurring formal, functional, and symbolic patterns within the traditional architecture of Ilincho. The findings reveal that local housing typologies integrate form, function, and symbolism in a coherent manner, suggesting that their reinterpretation through architectural prototypes can generate culturally responsive and contextually housing solutions.