Radiografía a la informalidad urbana en el centro histórico de la ciudad de Ibarra

Abstract

The city of Ibarra, founded in the 17th century as a transit point between Quito (Ecuador) and Pasto (Colombia), has historically been distinguished by its strategic location. Originally a crossroads, it has been the setting for significant migratory flows and socioeconomic activities that have evolved within its territory. Over time, the city has developed complex social dynamics marked by interactions between local and external actors.

This study examines irregular mobility processes in Ibarra's historic center following the pandemic, with the aim of analyzing residents' perceptions and patterns of public space occupation. The research scenarios are based on two main analytical variables: the first encompasses irregularized mobility, while the second concerns the perception of urban informality. The research model is theoretically grounded in a mixed-methods approach (quantitative-spatial) and is supported by official data, public space georeferencing, and a citizen perception survey to understand how different social actors experience space in the face of urban informality phenomena. The results show that migratory flows have increased levels of public space degradation, urban insecurity, and social stigmatization. While issues of urban insecurity, stigmatization, and the creation of natural boundaries are not yet evident to the public, the perception of these phenomena has begun to generate significant impacts on the population, as well as on the segregation and stratification of social structure. This theoretical-spatial model leaves an open field for future researchers to identify new urban phenomena where public space serves as a positive element for social development.