Estoa. Journal of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism

Thermal comfort and overcrowding in bamboo cane-enveloped housing in Portoviejo

David Cobeña-Loor, Lyli Moreira-Macías — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The objective was to analyze the relationship between thermal comfort and the occupancy rate of homes with bamboo envelopes in the city of Portoviejo, as well as to understand how these factors influence residents’ thermal perception. The research was quantitative. The ASHRAE Thermal Sensation and Satisfaction Scale was applied, based on a sample of 161 urban homes. The results showed that envelope material affects thermal perception, with bamboo being one of the most thermally efficient solutions when compared to concrete. The occupancy rate had no significant statistical correlation with thermal comfort, but it may have an influence. Thus, it is concluded that a bioclimatic design and the use of materials with adequate insulating properties are key when it comes to optimizing the thermal comfort of sustainable homes.

Systematic review of concrete and steel life cycle in Latin American social housing

Germán Vélez-Torres, Karla Alvarado-Palacios — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This article presents a systematic review of life cycle assessment (LCA) applied to concrete and steel used in social housing in Latin America. A search in Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science yielded 48 studies meeting PRISMA criteria. The analysis includes environmental impacts, applied methodologies, and common limitations. Results show a high carbon footprint for both materials, with regional differences. Improvement opportunities include the use of supplementary cementitious materials, recycled steel, and circular design strategies. Finally, policy recommendations are proposed, focusing on LCA standardization, economic incentives, and data governance. The study concludes that technically feasible solutions exist, but their implementation depends on regulatory and financial changes.

Design and Management of Social Housing in Hillside Areas: Guidelines for Intervention in Informal-Origin Neighborhoods in Bogotá

Olga Lucía Ceballos Ramos, Martha Inés Sierra Moncada — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In Bogotá, inadequate habitability conditions in self-produced housing within informally established neighborhoods persist as an unresolved challenge. Existing housing improvement programs are highly limited in scope, and the production of new housing units remains insufficient to facilitate the relocation of households residing in areas exposed to non-mitigable risk. This study aimed to identify design and management guidelines that could contribute to addressing these challenges, with a particular focus on neighborhoods located in hillside zones. The research involved an analysis of housing conditions and household characteristics, relevant regulatory frameworks, and public management instruments. Findings suggest that the most effective strategy is to densify underutilized single-story dwellings in deficient conditions by developing three-story buildings comprising a minimum of three compliant housing units. This approach offers a feasible solution for property owners, prospective beneficiaries, and private sector investors alike.

Urban heat island in barrios de Arboledas neighborhoods of Puebla, Mexico: an analysis of its causes

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Currently, humanity is facing complicated environmental challenges due to Climate Change and Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. This research is conducted in the Barrios de Arboledas neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico. The aim is identifying the causes of UHI at the neighborhood level and developing mitigation strategies based on building sustainability competencies among residents. The study began with a site analysis to identify the causes and factors associated with UHI through residents´ surveys and photographic and geospatial information. Results indicate that the presence of air pollution, the use of low-albedo materials, the reduction of green areas, and anthropogenic heat are causing UHI. As mitigation strategies, government programs for waste management were implemented, along with workshops and sociocultural activities to raise environmental awareness.

Impact of heat on the deterioration of facades of the industrial heritage of the Peruvian Sierra

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Urban heat and environmental pollution contribute to the deterioration of architectural heritage. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the impact of climatic, social, and environmental urban variables on heritage façade materials in three phases: identification of damage indexes based on materiality, observational flow analysis, and analysis of climate variability and wind chill using a thermographic camera and hygrometer. The results show that wood and ignimbrite are the materials most affected by heat and pedestrian behavior influences pedestrian traffic, choosing alternative routes to avoid discomfort caused by wind chill. This study aims to contribute to material analysis and develop conservation strategies for these types of heritage façades, addressing current environmental challenges and ensuring their durability over time.

Pathological processes and conservation state of the religious heritage along the Adobe Route (Catamarca, Argentina)

Carola I. Herr, C. Guillermo Rolón — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Adobe Route, in Tinogasta (Catamarca, Argentina), constitutes a cultural itinerary whose religious heritage is mostly built with adobe. This initial study is part of a broader project aimed at developing a heritage management plan and seeks to answer: what are the main damage and agents of deterioration, decay and alteration in these buildings? 11 cases, promoted by the provincial Secretariat of Tourism, were surveyed using records based on the ICOMOS-ISCEAH glossary, documenting qualitatively and quantitatively the families of damages and agents of deterioration, decay and alteration. Results show the prevalence of processes related to material loss, cracks, deformations, and detachments, mainly caused by anthropic and atmospheric agents. A conservation state ranging from good to fair was observed, with low to medium intervention priorities. The discussion highlights the tension between vernacular techniques and industrialized materials. It is concluded that preservation requires differentiated strategies that integrate technical, community, and cultural criteria.

The Assessment of Low Intensity Complex Heritage Landscapes. The Case Study of Sancti Petri (Cádiz)

Julia Rey-Pérez, Benito Sánchez-Montañés, Agostina de la Fuente Peñalver — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

There are areas where heritage elements are not associated with the common idea of heritage, which increases their invisibility and lack of protection. The aim of this research is to recognise the existence of these heritage environments known as Low Intensity Complex Heritage Landscapes (LICHL), through the case study of Sancti Petri. The proposed methodology firstly identifies the attributes that make up the heritage reality of this place, in order to subsequently address its valuation and the definition of its heritage intensity in terms of the relationship between all its factors. Secondly, it identifies the structure and density of the heritage reality, with the elaboration of maps, being able to justify whether it is a LICHL. The results reveal the number of heritage attributes that characterise the environment and its relationships, which reveals the difficulty of its management and the absence of regulatory figures for its protection.

Biocultural landscapes of horchata (traditional medicinal beverage). Multiscalar analysis in the northwestern territory of the Loja canton, Ecuador

Alexandra del Rosario Moncayo Vega, Carla Balcazar — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The northwestern rural parishes of Loja canton, located in southern Ecuador, are characterized by their agro-productive cultural landscapes primarily dedicated to the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal herbs used to prepare horchata, a traditional drink from Loja. This research aims to identify these crops through spatial analysis, direct observation of land use with aerial imagery, and evaluation of territorial scale changes towards cultivated areas, revealing two landscape types based on production magnitude: subsistence gardens for local markets and fairs, and large-scale crops for industrial production. The diversity of cultivated herbs defines each landscape type, reflecting different production models and territorial management. These landscapes blend with crops and forests within inter-Andean ecosystems, highlighted by their colors on rugged terrain, as a consequence of the population’s socioeconomic needs. This biocultural heritage requires documentation and assessment for effective protection.

Towards a post-naturalist architecture: a systematic review of nature-culture relationship in ecological architecture

Seda Zafer Küçük, Ayşen Ciravoğlu — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Studies on nature-culture relations emphasize the intertwined cultural relationship between the natural world and human culture. In recent years, there has been an increase in practices that include non-human entities, expanding the scope of architectural design. This review explores current approaches that examine the relationship between nature and culture in the context of ecology in architectural design. The data were collected from the Scopus and Web of Science databases guided by PRISMA The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Information regarding the post-naturalist perspective in architecture was derived from an analysis of contemporary studies that address the nature-culture discourse and expand the relationship between ecological principles and architectural design. The findings demonstrate that the domain of architectural design can be expanded through the incorporation of alternatives that are frequently perceived as threatening, overlooked, marginalized, or defective, particularly in relation to ecological considerations. This review promotes alternative ecological practices by highlighting innovative architectural design concepts and strategies.

Cultural Ecosystem Services in urban areas peripheral to the Petrochemical Complex El Tablazo-Venezuela

Carolina Quintero-Sandrea — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) value the intangible benefits that ecosystems provide to people and are useful tools for urban planning and management. This study aims to identify CES in urban areas peripheral to the El Tablazo Petrochemical Complex, Venezuela. Based on the review of urban plans, questionnaires to experts and participatory mapping with focus groups, the main ecosystems and their benefits are identified. The marshes and the Altagracia coast (Lake Maracaibo) stand out as key ecosystems, together with the system of green public spaces (streets, squares, waterfront promenade), providing recreational, physical and emotional benefits. These spaces, despite the tension with petrochemical activity, are essential for the articulation of the city, contributing to the quality of life and well-being of its inhabitants.

Green in urban in-between spaces. The Garden Courtyard of the Turó de la Peira Sports Center and the Sants Green Corridor in Barcelona

Fabiola Meignen-Martínez, Anna Martínez Duran, Nuria Martí-Audí — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of green areas in urban intermediate spaces improves spatial configuration, optimizes the environmental performance of cities, and enriches the sensory experience of users. Vegetation promotes cohesion between built structures and plays a key role in mitigating heat islands, thereby enhancing environmental comfort. This article analyzes two urban projects in Barcelona focused on green space implementation: the Patio of the Turó de la Peira Sports Center (2019) and the Sants Gardens (2017). Through graphical documentation and a comparative analysis of the paths in both projects, the applied design strategies are identified. These solutions offer a replicable model for other urban contexts, demonstrating how implementing greenery in intermediate urban spaces can contribute to the creation of more sustainable environments.

Sustainable Urban Transformation: Is it possible to improve walkability and cyclability in cities through data-science driven methods?

Monica V. Sanchez-Sepulveda, Joan Navarro, David Fonseca Escudero — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Some of the negative effects of rapid urban growth in recent decades include increased traffic and a lack of infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The research project called “Acciona y Conecta,” carried out in the city of Barcelona, aims to answer the research question: how can walkability and cyclability in cities be quantified and improved? The research hypothesis driving the project is that data science and other advanced technologies can transform urban infrastructure, leading to more mobile, healthier, and sustainable cities. To achieve this, an assessment of mobility in Barcelona has been conducted, a database has been created, several urban improvement proposals have been developed, and this methodology has been replicated in other cities (Madrid and Helsinki), while also promoting citizen participation. This work presents the latest developments and findings of the research project regarding urban structure assessment, identification of urban planning parameters for quantitative analysis, urban planning recommendations, and scalability to other environments.

A framework to understand the design guidelines of smart and sustainable urban open space

Mohammad Sharif Zami, Sara Qwaider, Baqer M. Al-Ramadan, Mohammad A. Hassanain — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Smart and Sustainable Urban Open Space (Smart-SUOS) are essential for improving the quality of life (QoL). They serve as hubs for leisure, social interaction, civic activities, and environmental benefits. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the types, design elements, and guidelines necessary to design Smart-SUOS. The study aims to formulate a framework to understand the design guidelines of Smart-SUOS. To achieve the aim, a critical review of the existing literature was carried out. The analysis of the secondary data gathered 13 essential landscape design elements (LDEs), 9 smart services and technology integration, and 10 design conditions (DCs) that were utilized to formulate a design framework of Smart-SUOS. The validated design framework included an additional LDE, 2 smart services and technology integration, and 2 DCs. The framework also includes a series of challenges and measures to overcome the challenges for the successful design of Smart-SUOS.

Brewing property in one-dimensional city? Exploring Starbucks’ locational strategies-impacts in the case of Izmir, Türkiye

Yağmur Aşçı Coşkun, Mehmet Penpecioğlu — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines Starbucks’ locational strategies and their impact on urban spaces, drawing on Rossi’s concept of the “one-dimensional city.” As global brands increasingly shape urban environments, three key effects emerge: rising property prices near stores, the concentration of locations in malls, transit hubs, and walkable areas, and alignment with urban landscapes standardized by major transportation infrastructure decisions. Similar to many cities in the Global South, Starbucks in İzmir functions both as a product and a driver of property-driven, rent-seeking urban development. Empirical evidence reveals that its locational strategies enhance accessibility, increase property values, and reshape the built environment. Through spatial analysis, the article examines Starbucks locations within a walkability and accessibility framework, highlighting their concentration in high-value districts with strong public transit connections. This research underscores how global brands reinforce socio-economic divides, transform urban spaces, and promote consumption-driven urbanization through their integration into global capitalism and real estate dynamics.

Analysing the transformation of Commercial Centres with respect to the process of urban development in a city: identification of relevant parameters and sub-parameters

Sanghamitra Sarkar, Sanjib Nag — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The transformation of commercial centres is a common feature of current urban development processes, where modern typologies of commercial centres are generated alongside traditional markets, disrupting the urban fabric of Indian cities. This disruption has led to lifestyle changes and altered the character of public places. The existing literature has not adequately explored this issue from an urban design perspective for Indian cities. To predict the future direction of transformation, a holistic study of this phenomenon is imperative. This paper aims to theoretically identify the relevant parameters, sub-parameters and variables that influence this phenomenon in the Indian context. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a theoretical framework based on their inter-relationship for examining similar transformations in contemporary urban development processes.

Variations in common land regulations and urban sprawl. Case: peri-urban slopes of Quillahuata, Cusco-Peru

Víctor Manuel Salas Velásquez — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, indigenous societies, depending on their tenure regimes, continue to exercise direct control over their lands, and in the Peruvian case, peasant communities have been owners of their lands since the agrarian reform of 1969. The present study analyzes the regulations of communal land and its possible influence on urban sprawl towards the slopes of Quillahuata, through qualitative, historical, and transectal research. The results show how variations in regulatory approaches enable the community’s board of directors to transfer land possession and manage related certificates of possession and ownership. The study concludes that the improper use of Law No. 31335 as a management tool accelerates changes in the tenure regime and a greater fragmentation of communal land for residential purposes on the peri-urban slopes of the city of Cusco.

About Argentine women architects, competitions and representation in the press (1947-1967)

Patricia Méndez — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From a gender perspective, this documentary study systematically analyzes the participation of women architects in architectural design competitions convened by the Central Society of Architects (SCA) between 1947 and 1967. Using a documentary methodology, the official records of the professional association were reviewed and compared with journalistic coverage by the newspaper La Prensa during that period. It was possible to identify awards, as well as paradigmatic cases of their protagonists. The results revealed and made visible nearly two hundred awards won by women in architecture, but also highlighted the limitations of the gender bias imposed by both the official entity and the editorial practices of the time. By restoring the full names of the winners and acknowledging their participation in official disciplinary competitions, this research contributes to the construction of a more equitable architectural historiography and collaborates with the expansion of recognition of women’s contributions to 20th-century architecture.

The teaching of architecture as a constructivist process the method for design

Mariana Teresa Silveyra Rosales — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes how architecture students at UAEM apply the design method throughout their academic development, focusing on key process phases, core concepts, feedback, and design approaches. It examines their perception of the process and how the 2019 curriculum introduces elements that complicate its application. Using a qualitative approach, the research includes workshop observations, interviews, and student-created infographics. Findings highlight the importance of linking theory and practice from a constructivist perspective to avoid fragmented learning. Challenges identified include information overload without adequate guidance and difficulty building knowledge autonomously. When design studios lack a clear constructivist approach, students tend to replicate existing styles rather than develop their own creative processes. The study underscores the need to rethink architectural design education in order to strengthen critical thinking and foster greater autonomy in future architects.

The local and the universal in Ecuadorian art applied to architectural education

Javier Benavides-Alvarez, Nataly Revelo-Morales — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The relationship between the local and the universal in creative processes is examined, using the methodology of Architectural and Urban Design I Workshop from the Architecture program at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) during 2022. The study analyzes how students can integrate local traditions with universal principles through mimesis and abstraction, referencing two comparative cases: one Ecuadorian and one international. The methodology aims to ¨ not only theoretically, but also through a practical process that transforms real objects into abstract forms. This approach facilitates the understanding of universal patterns present in various cultural and artistic expressions, allowing their adaptation to the architectural context.

Practice and scientificity in contemporary production applied to Art, Architecture and Design

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A reflection is proposed around the most representative aspects of the debate on scientific production in arts, architecture and design, towards the discussion for its legitimacy and demystification of the barriers about what is or is not valid in the production of scientific knowledge. Based on a bibliographic review, the favorable scenarios that allow the validation of all forms of knowledge are described as a contribution to the understanding and reflection of contemporary problems. The overview of research directed by project practice and aspects related to subjectivity and scientificity in creative disciplines is presented. The dynamic context of the contemporary world demands from different disciplines a greater concern for analyzing their methodologies and forms of knowledge production. The design disciplines, due to their great creative load, require a greater commitment to new ways of approaching knowledge towards innovation.

From supermodernism to neotraditionality: the contemporary search for Latin American architectural identity

Virginia Arnet-Callealta — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that there is a Latin American condition of contemporary architecture. Therefore, it focuses on the detailed analysis of the epistemological scope of Latin America to subsequently define the essential aspects and arguments in its territory and its architecture. Furthermore, the methodological approach allows establishing identity parameters such as the landscape in Chile, tropicalism in Brazil, the mix of cultures in Mexico, the material in Colombia or the brick in Argentina and Paraguay, which contributes to the determination of Latin American architecture from the global perspective. Finally, the discussions and reflections at the end of the process confirm the relevant role of the development of local identities within the complex global panorama thanks to the understanding of a common Latin American condition.

Contemporary transversalities in architecture and urbanism: from materiality to epistemic identities

Pedro Jiménez-Pacheco — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Se construye una postura crítica sobre la arquitectura y el urbanismo al presentarlos como campos atravesados por múltiples escalas, saberes y conflictos. El editorial de este número articula una visión que reivindica la investigación situada y la transversalidad disciplinar como respuestas a problemáticas urgentes como la crisis climática, las desigualdades urbanas y la fragilidad de las identidades territoriales. Su principal fortaleza radica en vincular materialidad, hábitat, paisaje, ciudad y pedagogía dentro de un marco epistemológico que cuestiona los límites tradicionales del conocimiento arquitectónico.