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Urban Sustainability Through the Lens of Urban Fabric Typologies: A Case Study of Cuenca, Ecuador

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  • Francisco Calderón

    (LlactaLAB-Ciudades Sustentables, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

  • Daniel Orellana

    (LlactaLAB-Ciudades Sustentables, Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

  • María Isabel Carrasco

    (Escuela de Arquitectura, Facultad de Diseño, Arquitectura y Arte, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador)

  • Johnatan Astudillo

    (Independent Researcher, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

  • María Augusta Hermida

    (LlactaLAB-Ciudades Sustentables, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador)

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between urban fabrics and sustainability is essential for addressing contemporary urban challenges, as urban fabrics provide critical morphological and socio-economic data that enhance our understanding of the performance and spatial variability of urban systems. This study focuses on Cuenca, spatially divided into a 150 m radius hexagonal grid with 30 sustainability indicators and 18 urban fabric typologies. Using spatial, statistical, and visual analysis, relationships and patterns between sustainability indicators and urban fabric types are explored. The results reveal significant variation in sustainability across different fabric types, with built environment indicators playing a central role. There is marked spatial heterogeneity: inner-core areas exhibit higher sustainability, fringe areas lag behind, and transitional zones are also identified. Spatial clustering reveals that fabric types are homogeneous in terms of sustainability at both the high and low extremes but heterogeneous in mid-range sustainability areas. This quantitative analysis of Cuenca’s urban fabric typologies highlights substantial differences in sustainability and distinct spatial patterns, offering valuable insights for evidence-based urban planning. The open-source data and tools provided facilitate customisation and replication in other urban contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Calderón & Daniel Orellana & María Isabel Carrasco & Johnatan Astudillo & María Augusta Hermida, 2024. "Urban Sustainability Through the Lens of Urban Fabric Typologies: A Case Study of Cuenca, Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-28, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10260-:d:1527684
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Runde Fu & Xinhuan Zhang & Degang Yang & Tianyi Cai & Yufang Zhang, 2021. "The Relationship between Urban Vibrancy and Built Environment: An Empirical Study from an Emerging City in an Arid Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-20, January.
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    3. Sijia Li & Chao Wu & Yu Lin & Zhengyang Li & Qingyun Du, 2020. "Urban Morphology Promotes Urban Vibrancy from the Spatiotemporal and Synergetic Perspectives: A Case Study Using Multisource Data in Shenzhen, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-24, June.
    4. Yun-Yun Ko & Yin-Hao Chiu, 2020. "Empirical Study of Urban Development Evaluation Indicators Based on the Urban Metabolism Concept," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-15, September.
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