Patrimonial values of Cuenca, towards comprehensive and participatory management.

The research project seeks to determine the patrimonial values of the city of Cuenca and their attributes holistically; That is, through the participation of a multidisciplinary and multi-actor group. The primary objective of this project aspires to establish a positive dynamic between the norm and the protection generated by the same community, to influence the application of public policy, in the strengthening of strategies and in the implementation of programs and projects, aimed at the positioning of heritage as an essential component of the economic and social development. That is, the project will establish a map of values of the city, which will serve as the fundamental tool for decision -making, management and determination of strategies in the patrimonial field in Cuenca. To meet the objectives set, the project will start by establishing a mapping of actors, that is, through the use of qualitative methods, it will be determined that actors must be present for the process of assessment and assets. The next step in research is the determination of the study area, which will be established by existing social cohesion and also must be a representative area of the characteristics of the Historic Center of Cuenca. After the literary study and review, the most appropriate methodology for the determination and prioritization of heritage values with the different groups of actors will be applied. The results will be collected in a map of values on which attributes and parameters are subsequently established for monitoring and management. The research will be developed in the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Cuenca, within the framework of the Patrimonial Conservation Research Line. The results that are expected to obtain from this project will serve as input for other research initiatives such as the urban historical landscape and the heritage as a resource. The project will contribute in cultural heritage management in the city of Cuenca, and aspires to become a fundamental tool for decision making. Similarly, the results hope to show all equity values and attributes regardless of their nature (tangible and intangible). The knowledge of the Patrimonial Values of Cuenca will strengthen the development of management policies and strategies for transcendent interventions in its historic center.

13th UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION