Social Production of Space in the La Ronda Neighborhood of the Historic Center of Quito

This thesis project addresses the issue of the social production of space within the context of urban renewal in the La Ronda neighborhood of Quito's historic center. The study aims to contribute to academic debate by analyzing how various actors perceive and experience this process, which arises in response to historical deterioration, the need for conservation, and new urbanization trends. The urban renewal in La Ronda centrally aimed to rehabilitate the urban and architectural structure to preserve heritage and recover public space, involving the population in its protection. However, previous research highlights conflicts, social exclusion, gentrification, and the commodification of heritage. Methodologically, a qualitative, descriptive-interpretive approach will be used, employing techniques such as structured, semi-structured, and in-depth interviews, in addition to a questionnaire for basic statistical analysis. The unit of analysis is defined by time (before and after the project), space (neighborhood boundaries), and subjects (residents, former residents, tenants, community leaders, and institutional informants). Data analysis will be based on Grounded Theory (open, axial, and selective coding), and a strategy of person and method triangulation will be applied to validate findings regarding the meanings and social conflicts resulting from the urban transformation.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To understand the social production process of space in the heritage neighborhood of La Ronda, from the perspective of the various actors linked to the urban renewal project.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>nan