MINGA LAB 2020
On December 1 and 2, the MINGA LAB 2020 event took place, a virtual edition, which addressed the complex issue of sustainable collective housing, based on indicators generated by laboratories of architecture, technology and processes of the School of Architecture of the University of Azuay.
Five universities in Ecuador developed sustainable housing projects, taking into account urban, architectural, construction, energy and social aspects.
The event was attended by the University of the Americas (UDLA) with "More UDLA", the National University of Chimborazo with "Yaku City", the University of Azuay with "UDA kawsay", the University of Cuenca with "Tectónica" and the University Loja Particular Technique, with "Module 21".
The event also featured exhibitions by two projects: “Tu House”, winner of Solar Decathlon 2019, and “Casa Mercado”, winner of Construye Solar 2019 in Chile.
On the first day, the book "Keys for a new model of sustainable collective housing in Ecuador" was also launched, published by the Publishing House of the University of Azuay.
It is a didactic work that from its conception proposes a collaborative work, where the reader can not only abstract the essential theoretical points to address sustainable collective housing, but also becomes part of the research and editor team.
The book is divided into five components: the first describes the location of the project in the city, mobility, density, diversity of uses, socio-spatial integration, collective and intermediate public spaces, the natural and built landscape, the topography, sunlight and shade and finally the winds.
Component two describes the keys to carry out a new project, how to recycle buildings, how lighting and ventilation should be considered, the housing program, as well as flexible furniture and accessibility spaces.
Component three has to do with construction, in this chapter keys such as materials and sustainability, geometric logic, structure of construction elements and facilities are addressed.
Component four talks about energy efficiency, for which the keys to energy consumption of resources in a building, the systems, efficient construction elements and the capture of energy through the use of natural resources have been raised
The last component addresses the keys to citizen participation, socialization of the project, respect for culture and customs, cultural contextualization, market research, the communication plan and social marketing or social product.
Diego Proaño, director of the project, mentioned that the construction of a new collective housing model for Ecuador started just three years ago at the School of Architecture and was made up of researchers and teachers.
From this initial group, three groups were derived that were in charge of the main scales of the architectural project and punctually in the resolution of new housing models that can contribute to our region and the country.
"This is a pertinent investigation because perhaps the cherished dream of every human being is to have a home, to think of a home as a vital aspiration, as an achievement in people's lives," concluded Francisco Salgado, Rector of the University.
The link of the Publishing House of the University of Azuay where the book is located is https://publicaciones.uazuay.edu.ec/index.php/ceuazuay/catalog/book/143
On the second day, for its part, the launch of the Structural Wood from Ecuador application took place.
This project was carried out by the Architecture, Technology and Processes Research Laboratory of the UDA School of Architecture; This work identified, classified and studied 40 types of wood from different regions of our country, the process of elaboration of this work lasted approximately 18 months.
UDA Correspondent
