Multifamily housing and adaptive reuse of existing structures as densification strategies. Historic center of loja, 10 de agosto pedestrian axis

The present article addresses adaptive reuse as a densification strategy with the aim of stopping the depopulation that exists in Latin American historical centers. The study focuses on the 10 de Agosto pedestrian axis of the city of Loja, which registers 89 inhabitants in 4999 m², below the recommended index of 175 inhabitants/0.5 ha. The methodology is developed in 3 phases: 1. Definitions and contextualization of adaptive reuse as a densification strategy in existing homes, 2. Diagnosis, census and selection of homes with lower density, pedestrian axis 10 de Agosto: the sample consisted of three homes based on three criteria: demographic (two uninhabited and one with 3 inhabitants), spatial (areas greater than 400 m²) and morphological (with central and/or rear yard), and 3. Project Intervention and Validation of results. As a result of the research, it is determined that the interventions in the 3 selected homes, applying adaptive reuse strategies such as structural modulation, creation of yards, compaction of wet areas and location of vertical circulations, allow us to increase the built area between 40 % and 123 % and increase the population from 3 to 88 inhabitants in the intervened homes. In this way, it is possible to raise the housing density index of the pedestrian Axis from 89 to 175 inhabitants/0.5 ha, reaching the recommended indicator, thus it is concluded that adaptive reuse promoting mixed use, is an effective, valid and relevant strategy for housing densification and strengthening social cohesion in historic centers.