Propuesta de diseño urbano – arquitectónico participativo para la revalorización de la plaza central de Baños

Abstract

The Central Square of Baños parish, located in Cuenca, Ecuador, currently presents a functional and spatial disconnection, intensified by the fragmentation of Ricardo Durán Avenue, the deterioration of its infrastructure, and the marked prioritization of private tourism investment over public investment, which hinders everyday community dynamics. In response to this issue, the study addresses the following research question: How does a participatory urban-architectural design enable the socio-spatial reintegration of the square in the face of urban fragmentation? The main objective is to design a preliminary proposal that promotes territorial integration and improves local identity. The methodology followed a qualitative-applied approach, using community participation tools such as social mapping and experiential activities. The results revealed initial public distrust due to the absence of prior technical processes, allowing the identification of critical issues on slopes of up to 40%, nighttime insecurity, and various informal uses in the square. In response, the proposal “Plaza del Tejido Termal” [Thermal Fabric Square] is introduced, a concept inspired by the domes of the Sanctuary and local textile patterns, incorporating a walkable fissure as a unifying axis between the civic and religious sectors. It is concluded that interventions based on strategic pavement leveling, the creation of multifunctional spaces, and the revitalization of local culture succeed in mitigating social exclusion and symbolic gentrification. In this way, the proposal prioritizes the daily needs of residents over occasional visitors, consolidating a cohesive space that restores a sense of belonging through a collectively validated design.