Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Artes
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Item type:Publication, Ephemeral Architecture and Sustainability: A Comprehensive Approach for Sports Spaces in Ambato(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2026) ;García-Sisalema, Alan ;Acosta-Vargas, Irene ;Lara-Corea, Nicole ;Constante-Gancino, JoselynQuishpe, Luis-MiguelThe rapid urbanization worldwide, particularly in developing countries, has intensified the demand for community services, including spaces that foster social cohesion and physical activity. However, the limited state budget often results in the allocation of land without adequate infrastructure, termed as “stadiums,” which fails to meet the functional needs of both players and spectators, while also contributing to environmental degradation. To address these challenges, this study proposes the design of low-cost, multipurpose structures utilizing ephemeral architecture and sustainable practices, aimed at providing flexible and adaptable solutions for informal sports spaces. This research focuses on neighborhood stadiums in Ambato, Ecuador, employing a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, and field observations, to thoroughly assess the specific needs and characteristics of these spaces. Through an in-depth analysis of existing references, a conceptual design framework was developed. The multipurpose objects were then designed using ArchiCad, OPENLCA, and Formit software, enabling comparison with conventional infrastructures. The environmental impact of primary materials was rigorously evaluated through a life cycle assessment (LCA) in OPENLCA, complemented by an energy efficiency analysis conducted with Formit, offering a holistic approach to sustainable design. The results indicate that the proposed multipurpose structures provide a demountable and adaptive solution, significantly reducing carbon emissions and optimizing solar radiation usage, primarily using wood, as opposed to conventional fixed structures that rely on concrete. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, TOTORA AS A SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL IN PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN(ISEC Press, 2026-03); ; ;Calero, Diego Esteban Llanganate; Villacís, EnriqueDespite growing interest in natural fibers for sustainable construction, few studies systematically integrate empirical mechanical testing of Andean biomaterials—such as totora (Schoenoplectus californicus)—with parametric design to enhance structural performance. Historically limited to non-structural applications, totora’s potential in load-bearing systems remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating and optimizing totora-based modular units through a hybrid methodology that combines traditional weaving techniques, physical testing, and computational simulation. Cylindrical and conical modules, fabricated using cross-weaving and spiral braiding, were subjected to tensile and compressive load tests. Concurrently, ephemeral structures composed of these modules were developed in Rhinoceros using Grasshopper/Karamba3D to explore geometry optimization and load response, iteratively refining morphologies based on stress distribution patterns. Results demonstrate that conical forms and spiral configurations significantly improve stiffness and load dissipation, while all modules exhibited high ductility and full shape recovery after compression. The study confirms that parametric design can effectively compensate for totora’s inherently low strength by adapting form to material behavior. This approach offers a replicable framework for integrating vernacular knowledge with digital tools in sustainable, ephemeral architecture across Andean contexts. © 2026 ISEC Press. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The Potential of Peripheral Neighborhoods for the Development of Urban Green in Latin American Cities, the Case of Algeria, Quito, Ecuador(2023) ;Moya S. ;Muñoz D.Ortiz, FThis article proposes an analysis of the policies and strategies of the city of Quito for the development of urban green, for which the climate action plan of Quito and the plans to be fulfilled until 2030 have been reviewed, as well as the metropolitan corridor and its potential as a green corridor, after this the characteristics of the sector “La Argelia” have been analyzed. as an example of the characteristics of the peripheral neighborhoods of Quito, in order to show the potential that this type of environment has for the development of urban green, in this case from an urban agriculture approach, which could also provide these spaces not only with an economy, but with a circular metabolism, that contributes to the development of the neighborhood and the city. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.28 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Diagnosis of User Experience (UX) and Accessibility in Traditional Recruitment Tools: Foundations for the Future Implementation of Gamified Processes(2025); Traditional personnel selection processes, based on printed tests and face-to-face interviews, present increasing challenges in terms of user experience (UX), usability, and accessibility. Elements such as candidate satisfaction, the learning curve required to understand and complete the processes, and the levels of frustration detected negatively impact fairness and effectiveness in skills assessment. This analysis represents the initial phase of a broader research project, whose ultimate goal is to develop gamified solutions grounded in a user-centered approach. In this initial stage, a qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with six human resources specialists from different organizations, with the aim of identifying the limitations of conventional procedures and examining the perception of gamification as an improvement strategy. The findings indicate that conventional procedures result in a fragmented and unsatisfactory experience, imposing a high cognitive and emotional load on candidates. The specialists highlight persistent obstacles regarding clarity of instructions, limited feedback, unequal accessibility, and the lack of adaptability to diverse profiles. Likewise, they acknowledge the potential of game-based platforms to enhance motivation, reduce frustration, and provide more inclusive experiences. These findings underpin the design of a future quasi-experimental phase that will evaluate, using metrics such as the System Usability Scale (SUS), the comparative effectiveness of traditional versus gamified tools in selection processes. © 2025 IEEE.16 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Extensive Green Facades as an Alternative to the Lack of Urban Greenery(2025); The accelerated process of urbanization has intensified the loss of natural green areas, directly affecting the quality of life in cities. Semi-natural infrastructures, such as green facades, do not replace natural ecosystems but can mitigate their impacts by providing ecosystem services. This study is based on the hypothesis that the implementation of self-built extensive green facades, using local substrates and a mixture of native and adapted species, constitutes an accessible alternative that urban residents can construct and maintain themselves. Within this framework, the research 2 question is posed: How does the combination of support system type and plant species influence the ecological performance of extensive green facades in Andean urban contexts? Which climatic and construction-related factors determine the economic viability and ease of maintenance and self-construction of extensive green facades? The article is structured in two phases: first, a theoretical review of recent literature on extensive green facades, and second, an experimental phase involving self-built modules implemented in the city of Quito. The results show that, at least under the described climatic conditions—characterized by high solar radiation, prolonged water deficit, and wind gusts reaching up to 4.2 m/s—the selected plant species (<jats:italic>Common Ivy, Passiflora mixta</jats:italic>, and <jats:italic>Pyrostegia venusta</jats:italic>) achieved similar coverage levels during the study period, ranging from 30% to 20% between months 3 and 7, with installation costs below 41 USD per square meter. These findings highlight the feasibility of affordable systems for urban greening and their potential role in promoting resilient and inclusive development, particularly in highly variable Andean climates. However, further research is needed to assess their long-term impact on urban biodiversity, as well as their sustained structural and ecological performance over time.17 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, University Extension in Architecture: Strategies adopted by COVID-19(2022)Latin-American universities have reacted during pandemic times by implementing strategies not only virtual (Bedoya-Dorado, Murillo-Vargas, y González-Campo, 2021), the actions adopted over the road have allowed that the programme of extension continues being performed in other ways and to consider as not a requirement the permanent presential link with the community. The goal of the research is to analyze the strategies developed in community projects of University Extension in Architecture developed in seven Latin-American countries. The inquiry presents a methodology with combined strategies (Groat y Wang, 2013) that includes a literature review of primary and secondary sources, cases of study and interviews. This papers contains cuali-cuantitative data related to modes of working, alternatives of virtual communication in social media and elaborated knowledge of seven community projects selected from online activities developed by Architectural Latin-American universities in Costa Rica, México, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile y Argentina. The study found that the compilation of projects done last year and few years ago are the most used modes of working, also, digital material, Facebook pages and YouTube channels are the alternatives for virtual communication and finally, that digital publications and videos are the elaboration (Cano e Ingold, 2020), production (Salvatierra, 2003), (Cohen, 2014), (Martínez y García, 2019) and construction (Bolaños y Aguilera cited by Martínez y García, 2019) of knowledge. © 2022 The authors.20 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Tiktok as a Learning Tool for Elementary School Students(2023); ;Espinosa-Pinos C.A.Núñez-Torres M.G.The large number of users of the social network Tiktok worldwide and the studies that demonstrate the advantages of its use in relation to its educational capacity encourage us to seek new ways of teaching. The present study was conducted at the Indoamerica Educational University in the city of Ambato-Ecuador during the 2021–2022 school year, comparing the motivation of students of General Basic Education: specifically, Basic Middle (Sublevel 3): fifth, sixth and seventh grade corresponding to boys and girls of 9, 10 and 11 years old respectively, and the use of Tiktok as a learning tool demonstrated in their academic performance. Group A has used Tiktok as a tool for the development of academic activities, while group B has not used it. A quantitative methodology was used with a descriptive-inferential procedure and a qualitative analysis through interviews with educators. A pre-test and a post-test were carried out to demonstrate the children's motivation at the end of the school year. It is confirmed that the children who used Tiktok as a learning tool consider themselves more motivated and show a greater dedication to the proposed subject matter than children who do not use it, which is evidenced in their academic record. On the other hand, the teachers interviewed expressed heterogeneous opinions. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.43 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Transportation Oriented Development Method: Literature review(2023) ;Vega, J ;Balcázar R.Guerra X.Cities are a wealth production system that attract more and more people in search of a better lifestyle. Migration to cities affects the demand for more housing, services and facilities that, in many cases, imply uncontrolled urban growth, an increase in the number of vehicles, processes of social segregation and effects on natural systems. Indeed, cities are responsible for 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, one of the causes of climate change. Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning model that considers higher density, mixed land use, promotion of public transportation and also promotes a walkable and cycleable environment. This study aims to identify the characteristics of TOD that, from various studies, contribute to the construction of a more efficient and equitable city. The objective is to identify and define the characteristics that build this urban planning approach. A review of the state of the art was carried out in two phases: the first consisted of a bibliometric review based on the Vosviewer software and in the second, 28 articles published in high-impact journals were reviewed according to the Scimago ranking. The results indicate that several of the characteristics of TOD overlap in several studies and that others are not considered at a general level and should be strengthened. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.11 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Tití App, an Interactive Psycho-Pedagogical Recovery Tool: A Pilot Study(2022) ;Gordón J.; The acquisition of reading and writing is a complex and decisive process for the knowledge appropriation of children and their culturalization; similarly, the number of children who do not achieve the expected literacy level for their age and schooling is also a matter of concern. One of the explanations lies in the learning situation, which regularly develops in a classroom. Nowadays, the incorporation of new technologies that include smartphones and tablets as learning-enhancing resources is crucial. Due to the absence of contextualized tools for the Ecuadorian population, Tití application is proposed. It is focused on reducing the errors in children’s reading by solving tasks that are based on the errors determined in the literacy analysis test, TALE, in a contextualized and motivating digital scenario. The user-centered design is the basis for the construction of this tool with characteristics that are specific to Ecuador such as the use of the Spanish language in an Ecuadorian context, navigation on a map of Ecuador, and rescue of endangered endemic animals. This allows children to identify with their environment and engage in the dynamics of the tool. In the research, a repeated measures study design was applied to assess statistically significant differences between a first and second evaluation. A marked decrease in the number of errors in the elements of the TALE test can be observed. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.52 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Thermography applied to buildings as an opportunity to detect thermal bridges. Case study: Ambato, Ecuador(2024); ;Ranzet OrdóñezLiz ZambranoThis research analyses the existence of thermal bridges in an urban context located at 2700 meters above sea level based on the analysis of thermal images of buildings taken in different ambient temperature conditions. The objective of this research is to expand and update the spectrum of analysis and detection of thermal bridges in an urban context, where environmental conditions change and increasingly reach higher and lower extreme peaks of temperature, which is why it is necessary to establish strategies for mitigation of thermal bridges and stabilization of internal temperatures, the materiality of the building envelope plays a very important role in this study. The methodology applied in this research is of mixed approach, qualitative in relation to the analysis and collection of information with thermal cards and photographs, and quantitative due to the comparison of thermal data obtained from the analysis and energy simulation of the case study. The qualitative results were obtained through the collection of thermographic information, the simulation of the house and focus on the detection of temperature leaks in an urban context of a building built in 2019 with contemporary materials and construction systems, the quantitative results were obtained from the energy simulation, which helped determine the failures in the envelope and thus could improve the energy performance of the building. The study concludes that currently, in spite of knowing the impact generated by climate change, improvements in the configuration of the envelope available in the market are not considered, which generates a negative impact on the perception of thermal comfort inside the building, it is also important to emphasize the importance of energy simulation in construction and design, since this helps to detect problems before building and to be more optimal when remodelling buildings28
