Aplicación de principios biofílicos en el rediseño de la Plaza San Sebastián, ciudad de Loja

Abstract

Abstract: Among the public spaces of the city, San Sebastián Plaza, located in the center of Loja, is characterized by extensive hard surfaces, limited functional vegetation, and low thermal comfort, which reduces user permanence and weakens the human nature connection. In response to this condition, this research aimed to redesign the plaza through the application of biophilic design principles and patterns in order to improve environmental quality, sensory experience, and social use. The methodology followed a mixed approach that integrated urban, environmental, social, and biophilic analyses through physical surveys, observation of user behavior, sensory evaluation, and the application of biophilic patterns. The results indicate that the incorporation of vegetation, permeable surfaces, shade, urban furniture, and natural materials significantly improves indicators such as permanence, thermal comfort, and interaction with natural elements, transforming the plaza into a more habitable public space connected to nature.