Diseño arquitectónico de un centro intergeneracional recreativo en el barrio La Esperanza, Quito

Abstract

This degree project proposes the architectural design of an Intergenerational Recreational Center in the La Esperanza neighborhood, located in the Metropolitan District of Quito, as a response to the accelerated aging process of the population and the lack of inclusive urban facilities that promote social interaction between generations. Based on a demographic, social, and urban analysis, issues such as social isolation among older adults, limited availability of safe recreational spaces for children, and fragmentation of the social fabric are identified. In response, the architectural proposal is conceived as a community facility that integrates recreational, cultural, and social programs for different age groups, guided by principles of intergenerational architecture, universal accessibility, and sensory design. The project is organized through a regulating grid linked to care-oriented architecture and a continuous circulation system known as the living walkway, which connects functional blocks and encourages spontaneous encounters among users. Additionally, passive environmental strategies, open spaces, and green areas are incorporated to enhance user well-being and strengthen the relationship with the surrounding environment. In conclusion, the Intergenerational Center is conceived as an agent of social and urban transformation, aimed at strengthening community cohesion, promoting active aging, and redefining public space as a place of coexistence, inclusion, and collective well-being