Publications
Central parks as air quality oases in the tropical Andean city of Quito
Central parks in Quito, Ecuador, serve as temporary air quality oases amid high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), but their protective effect is limited to the park's interior. Research found hazardous PM2.5 concentrations on the edges of parks along busy avenues—frequented by pedestrians—highlighting short- and long-term health risks from traffic pollution in urban recreational spaces, particularly in cities of the global south. The study used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to model PM2.5 spatial distribution, successfully predicting concentrations in a smaller park, suggesting potential for broader urban applications. While promising, further validation is needed to ensure its effectiveness across diverse cityscapes.
Impact of Urban Re-Densification on Indoor Lighting Demand and Energy Poverty on the Equator, in the City of Quito
Urban re-densification in Quito, Ecuador, significantly reduces daylight access and increases indoor lighting demand by up to 498%, potentially exacerbating energy poverty. The study analyzed high-rise buildings using simulation tools to assess solar irradiance reductions on facades, considering urban features and building locations. Findings highlight the social risks of unchecked re-densification, which can obstruct daylight by 40% to 80%. The research proposes height limitations for buildings based on street width—four stories for streets under 10 meters, four to six for those between 10 and 14 meters, and six to nine for streets between 14 and 18 meters—to mitigate these impacts. This work underscores the need for public policy adjustments to align urban planning with sustainable development goals.
Autonomy, Centrality, and Persistence in Place: The Indigenous Movement and the Right to the City in Quito
Indigenous communal activists in Quito challenge conventional urban planning by advocating for communal self-management and the authority of local assemblies over urbanization, aligning with but also critiquing Lefebvrian 'right to the city' theory. The study reveals tensions between collective power to reshape urban processes and fixed city structures, as well as debates on achieving 'centrality'—whether through concentrated urban centers or decentralized alternatives. Ethnographic research with active comuna supporters highlights the limits of constitutional rights in practice, emphasizing the need for a nuanced theory that accounts for diverse political responses to urbanization. This work contributes to understanding indigenous-led urban struggles and their implications for democratic space production.
The vaulted systems of the colonial city of Quito, Ecuador
A comparative analysis of vaulted systems in ten prominent colonial churches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, City of Quito, reveals critical insights into their seismic resilience and historical construction techniques. These structures, primarily built with brick and stone masonry, have endured continuous earthquakes, necessitating recent restoration efforts. The study compiles architectural surveys through systematic tables, providing schematic plans and sections that detail data on origin and construction methods. This pioneering comparative graphic resource offers a comprehensive understanding of the structural characteristics and conservation challenges of these historic churches.
Geolocation of electric bikes recharging stations: City of Quito study case
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods prove effective for identifying optimal locations for electric bike recharging stations, as demonstrated in Quito. The study applied similarity preference ranking and weighted overlay techniques, both yielding consistent results with a Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. The analytic hierarchy process determined criterion weights, while standardization established an overall performance index. This approach highlights MCDM's utility in urban planning, offering data-driven solutions for sustainable mobility infrastructure.
Landslide susceptibility mapping using fuzzy logic and multi-criteria evaluation techniques in the city of Quito, Ecuador
A landslide susceptibility map for Quito, Ecuador, reveals that 5% of the study area faces critical risk, with 19% high, 58% average, and 18% low sensitivity. The research leveraged fuzzy logic and multi-criteria evaluation techniques in GIS to model susceptibility based on historical and field-validated landslide data. Key factors such as topography, geology, precipitation, and vegetation were standardized using a sinusoidal function to assess their correlation with landslides. Validation confirmed the model's accuracy with a 78.4% adjustment rate and a standard error of 0.216, underscoring its reliability for infrastructure planning in high-risk zones like Simón Bolívar Avenue.
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