Los centros históricos latinoamericanos: estrategias de intervención, renovación y gestión. Periodo: 1980-2010

Abstract

In the past, historical urban cores constituted the whole dimension of the cities. They were the place where political, economic, social, religious and cultural activities took place; they were also the place of residence for the major amount of the population. They contain great part of the history besides being witnesses of the changes and of the diverse crisis who were taking place. The crisis just mentioned have left his treads, which eventually were reflected in his progressive abandon. The deterioration of these areas has raised the need to initiate process´ of intervention that have been incorporating new forms of management, with the intention to adapt them to the new economic, cultural and social demands. The article will approach the concept of historic urban core, the mechanisms and outcomes identified in Latin American interventions, and the cases of Quito and La Habana. Finally, outlining recommendations focused on the management of these key areas of the cities.