Diseño urbano de espacios universitarios con enfoque de género para transitar hacia mejores masculinidades (Campus Balzay, Universidad de Cuenca)

Abstract

The urban environment can directly influence how people use public space, where active urban life flourishes for men and women of all ages. Thus, this degree work intends to develop a draft project for university public spaces under the case study of the Balzay campus, with an approach oriented from a male perspective to modify violent behaviors and attitudes of men and to deconstruct the idea of masculinity from harmful behaviors towards others in the urban space. The document is based on a critical theoretical review that brings together some relevant concepts that will make it possible to understand the importance of introducing urban planning with a gender approach in the design and planning processes, as well as explaining how the idea of masculinity based on power and violence that has been formed around men has increased inequalities in the ways of inhabiting public space. Based on these concepts, the review of case studies, and the collection of de - sign parameters, a diagnostic phase was carried out to discover the physical characteristics of the spaces that are part of the campus and determine which ones present the greatest conflict for women. Thus, together with the active participation of men and women who are part of the university community, a general program of objectives is established, aimed at improving masculinities, and, finally, a draft-level design proposal is presented, which compiles the different strategies used to influence the behavior of men that affect female users of the campus and their area of influence.