Reactivación de los espacios urbanos: intervención en la Plaza del Herrero con enfoque en actividades culturales y gastronómicas

Abstract

This research addresses the underutilization of Plaza del Herrero in Cuenca, a heritage space that, despite its historical and gastronomic richness, primarily unctions as a transit area. The identified problem lies in the lack of urban furniture, accessibility, and cultural programming ―factors that have limited its vitality and disconnected it from the community―. The study is justified by the need to restore its cultural value, promote social cohesion, and boost the local economy through a gastronomic cultural center that articulates heritage, cuisine, and community activities. The expected impact includes a strengthening of the sense of identity and belonging, as well as the generation of a sustainable economic-cultural hub. The main objective is to propose an urban revitalization project that integrates an accessible and inclusive gastronomic cultural center. The research follows a descriptive-projective design with a mixed-method approach, and involved 260 surveys applied to residents, pedestrians, and merchants using probabilistic sampling. The results show that 78% of respondents consider the installation of urban furniture a priority, 65% perceive insecurity due to the deterioration of the space, and 72% demand permanent cultural activities. These findings highlight the urgency of a comprehensive intervention. The expected impact indicators include a 40% increase in user permanence in the square and a 30% increase in foot traffic to local businesses. In conclusion, the proposal not only seeks to recover a physical space but also to consolidate a replicable model of urban revitalization with a cultural and gastronomic focus.