Desafíos de los procesos de producción y construcción en adobe en América Latina

The adobe is considered one of the oldest and most widespread systems in the world, the same that after the failure of the paradigms of progress of the early twentieth century, linked to the technification and standardization of construction, has been the reason for important studies that reveal its potential to build innovative housing alternatives and ensure the conservation of world heritage built on land. Recognizing the link established in the conservation of intangible heritage –know how- with the conservation and innovation of architecture on land, this article aims to approach the reality facing adobe production in Latin America, its strengths and limitations, and identify strategies that could reinforce the validity of this constructive practice. After the review of secondary sources, the semi-structured interview technique applied to internationally recognized experts of the PROTERRA network was used. This information was complemented with semi-structured interviews with producers and builders of the local context: Cuenca and Susudel, as well as the application of the productive chain approach to the understanding and articulation of strategies to create value chains around adobe as a constructive element. The research reveals part of the multidimensional challenges (economic, environmental, social and cultural) that adobe production and construction processes face, in addition to the main factors that have influenced the progressive displacement of this practice.Finally some of the Common strategies to promote and strengthen this constructive practice.