Transformations in the urban development of Manta, Ecuador: from the colonial city to the fragmented city

Abstract

The territorial expression and transformations in the urban development of the city of Manta in Ecuador is a characteristic of the intermediate city, which shows a great demographic growth, together with an extraordinary consumption of land for urban uses, determined by the vocation of port and strategic location. The present investigation was directed to analyze the transformations in the urban development of Manta, from the colonial city to the fragmented one. For this, it was necessary to apply a descriptive methodology, under a qualitative approach through documentary analysis where the specialized literature was identified, reviewed and rigorously classified, which allowed us to deduce the passage of the compact and polynuclear urban model, typical of the initial phases of the investigation, to the dispersed fragmented and sectorial; supported by the main road axes that are used in an inhomogeneous way in peripheral areas, without adequate planning of the expansion areas that has led to fragmented urban growth. Among the main findings, it was identified as the economic dynamics linked to port, manufacturing and export fishing activities, which represented the greatest expansion of the urban surface, consolidating a low-density pattern supported by the new road axes. The result is a dispersed, disorderly, clearly segregated occupation and where the few urban policies have encouraged real estate investment in the areas best equipped with facilities, services and connectivity.