Formal values of traditional rural housing: Azuay Province, Ecuador as a case study

Abstract

This article delves into the scientific knowledge of the formal and typological values of a sample of traditional rural architecture from the twentieth century in the province of Azuay, Ecuador, which has remained hidden or has simply been little known and rarely assessed with objectivity. It is believed that the results of this research will serve to regain a way of making architecture that is being lost. In addition, the building and design principles studied can be used in teaching and learning processes. These works of architecture, which were promoted for shelter and protection, ultimately show a constant search for beauty, geometric relationships and mathematical proportions that are universal; although, perhaps the inhabitants of these areas are not aware of the enormous contribution that their own architecture can make at an aesthetic and formal level.