Contextual Adaptation of Classical Urban Design Theories in Latin American Cities: A Comparative Analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63948/intraj.v2i1.601

Keywords:

mycelium, dividing panels, biophilic architecture, material resistance

Abstract

Classical urban design theories face significant adaptation challenges in Latin American cities characterized by informality, spatial inequality, and resource constraints. This study examines how theories by Kevin Lynch, Jane Jacobs, Jan Gehl, and Jan Bazant are adapted through comparative analysis of interventions in Guayaquil, Medellín, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Cochabamba. Using mixed-methods combining bibliographic review, morphological analysis, and stakeholder interviews, we analyze theoretical reinterpretations addressing sustainability, social inclusion, and livability challenges. Results show Bazant's Latin American framework has highest direct applicability, while Lynch, Jacobs, and Gehl require significant contextual modifications. Successful interventions integrate multiple theoretical perspectives, prioritize community participation, and develop hybrid approaches combining formal planning with tactical urbanism. The study proposes a four-phase Adaptation Framework consisting of contextual assessment, theoretical synthesis, adaptive implementation, and participatory evaluation. Key findings indicate that effective urban interventions require systematic adaptation rather than direct theoretical application, emphasizing community knowledge integration, incremental implementation, and cultural translation of planning concepts.

Author Biographies

Raul Icaza Muñoz, Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte

Raul Icaza is an architect with extensive experience in construction and public enterprises. He holds a master's degree in architecture with a specialization in territorial planning and environmental management, providing him with a comprehensive and sustainable perspective on project development. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in project management at UIIX, deepening his expertise in directing complex projects. Raul also serves as a university professor at Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte, where he shares his knowledge and experience with future professionals. His profile combines practical experience, advanced academic training, and a commitment to education and research in construction management.

Christian Zambrano Murillo, Universidad Laica Vicente Rocafuerte

He was born in the city of Guayaquil, Guayas province, Ecuador. He is an architect and builder by profession with a master's degree in land use planning and urbanism from the University of Guayaquil. He has twelve years of professional experience in the real estate sector, ranging from real estate project development to the planning and execution of building and urban planning projects. In the academic field, he has published in high-impact scientific journals indexed in Scopus and participated in international conferences on Human Factors in Architecture, Sustainable Urban Planning, and Infrastructure. He has taught technical areas of construction and theoretical areas within sustainable urban development, in addition to being part of the center of excellence at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Guayaquil. He currently teaches territorial planning at the Faculty of Engineering, Industry, and Construction at Laica Vicente Rocafuerte University. His research focuses on planning and optimizing decision-making for buildings, applying bioclimatic criteria, generating renewable energy, building technologies, and land use planning, all under sustainability criteria.

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Published

2025-08-15

How to Cite

Icaza Muñoz, R., & Zambrano Murillo, C. (2025). Contextual Adaptation of Classical Urban Design Theories in Latin American Cities: A Comparative Analysis. INTRA: Interdisciplinary Research and Analysis Journal, 2(1), 39–51. https://doi.org/10.63948/intraj.v2i1.601

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Summer

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Articles

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