Diseño de prototipo de centro de integración comunitaria para la Ciudad de Cuenca (Cero huella de carbono)

Abstract

This study proposes the design of a zero-carbon footprint Community Integration Center in Cuenca by utilizing local materials and sustainable techniques to reduce the environmental impact of construction. A mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) is applied in three stages: theoretical and contextual research, site diagnosis and participatory analysis, and preliminary design development. In the first stage, the literature is reviewed to establish a technical-conceptual framework, analyzing materials and techniques with low environmental impact. In the second stage, the site’s climatic, physical, and social conditions are studied, passive design strategies are applied, and materials such as adobe and handcrafted brick are used. In the third stage, the preliminary design is developed, calculating the carbon footprint using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and energy simulations. The results show that the use of these materials considerably reduces the carbon footprint without affecting structural quality, demonstrating the feasibility of these strategies in urban and rural contexts. This work establishes precedents for future sustainable constructions in Cuenca.