Mariscal Lamar Park : green metropolitan infrastructure for urban integration, Cuenca, Ecuador

Latin American cities face rapid urbanization processes and land consumption of natural areas. Much emphasis is put on the construction and development of gray infrastructure and the physical connection it creates with other cities which in a globalized world is of outmost importance. Nevertheless, the importance of the green infrastructure within the context of these cities is relevant not only because it provides with a more sustainable approach to the overall development of the cities but also, because it creates opportunity for integrating all aspects of urban life. In this context, the use of the metro-matrix concept developed by Pedro Ortiz allows for an integral strategy where the two types of infrastructure can be linked together so that new urban functions can be placed. In the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, the metro-matrix analysis put in evidence the urban void that will be left within the city once the current airport is relocated. The strategic location of this old airport site led to the development of the new Urban Park for the city. Nowadays, the old airport site acts as a physical barrier for the surrounding neighborhood. The creation of a new urban park can bring with it the possibility to link together these neighborhoods, acting as a device that connects with the existing context and at the same time placing mix land use with the intention of acting as a dynamic urban node within the city. In this way, the park’s features and facilities become part of the surrounding context and engage in community participation by promoting educational, cultural, sporting, leisure and working activities within it.