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Geometry and Proportions of Adobe Vernacular Buildings in Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract:

The Historic Centre of Cuenca, recognized as World Heritage Site since 1999, is characterized by the relevant presence of traditional buildings which load-bearing structural elements are made of unbaked earth. Despite representing a unique example of vernacular architecture, an in-depth analysis of the buildings’ geometric features as their vulnerability against seismic actions is still missing. First, this paper presents a brief description of the most common construction system of these constructions. Next, 45 case studies are investigated with the support of in-site surveys carried out by the authors. In light of these investigations, this research sheds light on the geometrical configuration of these constructions and offers a new interpretation of their architecture. Finally, the geometrical data gathered in the surveys are compared with the recommendations given by international codes and analysed providing a first preliminary assessment of their structural vulnerability and insights on the most vulnerable case studies.