Estrategias de gestión patrimonial anti gentrificación en el barrio San Sebastián de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The starting point of the research suggests that there is an already existing gentrification process in the historic neighborhood of San Sebastián in Cuenca, Ecuador, which could be related to the visions and measures regarding the conservation of built cultural heritage. Thus, under a theoretical-empirical approach, we seek to establish management strategies in the field of built cultural heritage to mitigate the effects of gentrification in the neighborhood, since it is considered necessary to have clear and specific guidelines to preserve the authenticity of the areas. historic buildings restoring their original function as livable and affordable spaces, so that people can ensure a lifetime of lasting relationships in the neighborhood. In this way, a systematic review of literature is carried out that allows the construction of a theoretical framework on the relationship between the conservation of cultural heritage and gentrification in cities. The qualitative methodological design proposes the collection of information in the field articulated in two phases: first, a sweep of information on uses, users and buildings through the non-participant observation technique; and then, the application of open interviews to an intentional group of actors involved, about the characteristics of gentrification in the neighborhood and alternative measures to combat it. The analysis of the results generates a discussion in balance with the state of the art and yields a set of strategies aimed at the different actors that were identified as influential. Through the work carried out, the particularity of the movements of habitual residents in the neighborhood was identified, determining that this is not a phenomenon currently evident for the residents of the area. Furthermore, the relationship between heritage conservation and gentrification is described, and strategies are proposed to mitigate the effects of a rapidly unfolding phenomenon.