La influencia del patrimonio arquitectónico del Centro Histórico de Cuenca en las propuestas de arquitectura contemporánea

Abstract

In the context of rapid urban growth, Cuenca faces the challenge of the decontextualized replication of contemporary buildings, a phenomenon that generates morphological distortions and undermines architectural harmony. This issue is exacerbated by globalization pressures, which prioritize superficial innovation over coherent architectural integration. In this regard, the study examines the influence of the architectural heritage of Cuenca’s Historic Center on contemporary local buildings. Using a descriptive-comparative approach and a multicriteria methodology, the study identifies the defining characteristics of both contemporary and heritage buildings. The research process was structured into three phases. Phase I, defining the theoretical framework; Phase II, selection, qualitative analysis of case studies, quantitative assessment of architectural features, and comparison of the findings; and Phase III, the development of design guidelines, synthesized into an explanatory compendium. The results revealed that Cuenca's architecture is the product of a long evolutionary process characterized by successive historical periods and styles that have shaped its identity through the reinterpretation of foreign architectural languages within a society that tends to value external influences over its own. Furthermore, three contemporary architectural trends were identified as directly related to the formal, functional, and constructive principles of the city’s architectural heritage, as reflected in their points of connection. The Traditionalist Contemporary Style stands out with 39 points, followed by the Minimalist Contemporary Style with 37 points and the Migrant Contemporary Style with 30 points. As a final contribution, design guidelines were developed and compiled into a graphical compendium, conceived as a practical tool to guide contemporary architectural proposals that are aligned with Cuenca’s architectural identity.