SUSTAINABLE URBAN ARCHITECTURAL REHABILITATION OF AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURES

This paper presents a proposal for the sustainable urban-architectural rehabilitation of the former Quito airport building in Ecuador. The research focuses on exploring the implementation of nature-based solutions to optimize environmental performance and mitigate the impacts of climate change at the urban scale. Additionally, sustainable, and bioclimatic design strategies are investigated to enhance energy efficiency and resource consumption at the architectural scale. A notable aspect of the rehabilitation of the existing building is the use of glued laminated timber as the main material. This construction system has become an increasingly popular solution due to its technical, aesthetic, and environmental advantages, positioning it as a sustainable alternative capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with construction. This approach not only enables the conversion of an obsolete urban area but also contributes to the preservation of important architectural heritage, making this proposal a flagship project in the responsible use of renewable natural resources in the construction industry.