Cuenca: Improvement of Facades on Calle Larga and Rafael María Arízaga Street

The project Improvement of Facades on Calle Larga and Rafael María Arízaga Street helped transform public space in the Historic Center of Cuenca through a participatory management model that actively involved citizens in the recovery of their heritage environment.

The initiative emerged in response to the visual deterioration of building facades and the limited appropriation of public space, proposing a solution based on collaboration between the Municipality of Cuenca, the General Directorate of Historic and Heritage Areas, public institutions, the private sector, academia, and, most importantly, local residents. Through community meetings, technical assessments of street sections, facilitation of permits, and incentives such as discounts on paint, trust and citizen commitment were strengthened.

Implementation was carried out progressively, including graffiti removal, facade painting, incorporation of artistic murals, improvement of planters, signage, and enhanced security through cameras and panic buttons. This coordinated effort achieved concrete results: 80% of facades were improved on Calle Larga and 93% on Rafael María Arízaga Street, along with spontaneous replication in nearby streets.

One of the main achievements has been citizen ownership, demonstrated through the voluntary participation of residents, who took an active role in maintaining their homes and the urban environment. This process strengthened local identity, improved perceptions of safety, and boosted economic and tourism activity.

The practice stands out for its innovation by integrating heritage management, community participation, and inter-institutional partnerships into a sustainable, replicable, and adaptable model. Beyond the physical intervention, the project demonstrates that urban transformation is possible when citizens are actively involved, creating safer, more organized, and identity-rich public spaces.

More information:
www.cuenga.gob.ec