Propuesta de rehabilitación arquitectónica de un edificio subutilizado en San José para uso hotelero en la línea del ecoturismo urbano

Abstract

One of Costa Rica’s most important goals has been to position itself at a global level as a leader in terms of sustainability and environmental conservation; this has enabled the country to become a very attractive destination for the pursuit of ecotourism. However, this tourist trend is much more consolidated in rural areas of the country than in its cities, therefore the need to investigate what urban ecotourism can represent for development and determine the impact an architectural project could represent to promote it. This study seeks to develop the preliminary architectural draft for an urban ecotourism hotel located in the heart of San José city, having the rehabilitation of an underutilized building and the implementation of sustainability practices in design as key factors for success. In order to address these specific tasks, the investigator began by researching and developing a conceptual framework that would guide both readers and himself throughout the process. Next, the hotel market in San José city was analyzed, as well reasearch on some outstanding ecotourism accommodations located in other parts of the country, to understand the aspiration of the project and its eventual direct competitors. These case studies also represent an essential pillar in the definition of the design guidelines in semiotics, sustainability practices, and architectural program. Because this is a proposal for architectural renovation, one of the chapters is devoted to the selection process of the ideal property for the development of the hotel. This considered the underutilized buildings available in the study area and its different elements and characteristics. Finally, the design process is addressed by integrating all characteristics of the chosen property and the guidelines defined in the previous parts of the study. Results on the proposal are graphically represented in architectural plans, sections, elevations and renderings. Conclusions and recommendations that emerged throughout the entire process are included at the end of this study for further development.