Speaker
Description
Urban thresholds, as dynamic interfaces between private residences and public spaces possess the untapped potential to foster resilience within marginalised urban environments. This research investigates the transformative possibilities of these liminal spaces, advancing their conceptualisation as multifunctional ecosystems that integrate socio-environmental and spatial resilience. The study focuses on the Jacinto Canek neighbourhood in Mérida, Yucatán, a site characterised by informal settlement patterns, socio-economic marginalisation, and acute climate vulnerabilities.
Anchored in the threshold philosophy articulated by Espinosa (2010), the research redefines this spatial concept to address contemporary urban challenges, extending its scope to incorporate ecological balance and climate adaptability. The study adopts a participatory framework, engaging the local community to co-design a prototype for resilient thresholds. This prototype seeks to reconcile social practices, spatial configurations, and environmental functionalities, employing endemic vegetation and low-cost, adaptive design strategies as integral components.
Methodologically, the research utilises a mixed-methods approach to capture both the tangible and intangible dimensions of urban thresholds. Qualitative insights from interviews, participatory workshops, and ethnographic observations complement quantitative spatial analysis. This multi-scalar analysis elucidates the interplay between built form, social activities, and climatic factors, demonstrating how these elements coalesce to shape resilient ecosystems.
The findings underscore the critical role of thresholds in mediating interactions between private and public realms, fostering social cohesion, and mitigating environmental risks. By operationalising concepts of community-driven urban resilience, the study presents thresholds as pivotal elements in addressing systemic inequities in infrastructure, spatial accessibility, and environmental justice. Furthermore, the research contributes to the theoretical discourse on urban resilience by positioning thresholds as dynamic socio-spatial constructs capable of adaptation across diverse urban contexts.
The implications extend beyond the academic sphere, offering actionable insights for urban policymakers and practitioners. The proposed prototype provides a replicable framework for enhancing resilience in informal settlements, aligning with global sustainability agendas and addressing localised vulnerabilities. By emphasising the integration of ecological and social dimensions, the research advocates for a paradigm shift in urban planning, prioritising adaptability, inclusivity, and sustainability.
This investigation advances the understanding of urban thresholds, highlighting pathways for fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable urban futures. It repositions marginalised spaces from sites of vulnerability to arenas of potential, contributing to a broader reimagining of urbanism in the Anthropocene.
References
AMAYA, C. (2005), El ecosistema urbano: symbiosis especial entre lo natural y lo artificial. Revista Forestal Latinoamericana, pp. 1-16, no. 37. https://biblat.unam.mx/es/revista/revista-forestal-latinoamericana/articulo/el-ecosistema-urbano-simbiosis-espacial-entre-lo-natural-y-lo-artificial
AYUNTAMIENTO DE MÉRIDA (2028), Atlas de riesgos del municipio de Mérida, Yucatán. Escenarios futuros ante el cambio climático, Ayuntamiento de Mérida 2015-2018. http://www.merida.gob.mx/municipio/portal/pcivil/archivos/atlasderiesgosmerida.pdf
ESPINOSA MARTíN, J. A. (2010), El umbral como arquitectura. Espacio y transición en el límite de la casa. Revista de historia y teorías de la arquitectura 10-11, pp. 133-170. https://www.academia.edu/24777281/El_umbral_como_arquitectura_Espacio_y_transici%C3%B3n_en_el_l%C3%ADmite_de_la_casa
GIL GUINEA, L. (2016), Lugares intemedios. La “filosofía del umbral” en la arquitectura del Team 10. (Tesis doctoral), Departamento de proyectos arquitectónicos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. https://oa.upm.es/43751/1/LUIS_MARIA_GIL_GUINEA.pdf
HEIDEGGER, M. (1994), Conferencias y artículos, Barcelona, Ediciones del Serbal.
INEGI (2020), Espacio y datos de México. Información de rasgos físicos, naturales y culturales del país, establecimientos y viviendas en localidades urbanas y rurales, e infraestructura. https://www.inegi.org.mx/app/mapa/espacioydatos/default.aspx?ag=310500834
Melis, A., Pievani, T., & Lara-Hernandez, J. A. (2024). Architectural Exaptation: When Function Follows Form. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003347118
ORELLANA, R., et. Al. (2010), Climas. En Durán, R., y Méndez, M. Biodiversidad y Desarrollo Humano en Yucatán (pp. 10 y 11). México: CICY, PPD-FMAM, CONABIO, SEDUMA. https://www.cicy.mx/sitios/biodiversidad-y-desarrollo-humano-en-yucatan
| Keywords | Flexible Urban Design; thresholds; climate resilience; Community-Driven Design |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
