Civil engineering and the preservation of transcultural heritage in the Caribbean and Central America

 

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Dades bibliogràfiques
Autor: Montúfar, Gabriel
Format: artículo original
Estat:Versión publicada
Data de publicació:2026
Descripció:Civil engineering plays a fundamental role in safeguarding transcultural heritage in vulnerable regions such as the Caribbean and Central America, where natural disasters pose a constant threat. This article explores how engineering practices integrate with conservation strategies to protect historical sites that reflect the fusion of indigenous, European, African, and Asian cultures. Through an analysis of real cases, it examines the impacts of earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods on emblematic places like Panama’s Casco Antiguo, the National Art Schools in Cuba, and fortifications in Puerto Rico. It highlights the importance of climate risk assessments, seismic interventions, and urban adaptation plans that incorporate modern technologies without altering the cultural essence. From an integrative perspective, it is observed that collaboration between engineers, historians, and localcommunities is key to mitigating damage and promoting resilience. The study reveals that, although challenges are intense due to climate change, adapted engineering solutions can preserve these legacies for future generations, fostering a balance between development and heritage. Ultimately, engineering not only repairs structures but also revitalizes collective identities in transcultural contexts.
Pais:Portal de Revistas UNA
Institution:Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica
Repositorio:Portal de Revistas UNA
Idioma:Español
OAI Identifier:oai:www.revistas.una.ac.cr:article/22036
Accés en línia:https://www.revistas.una.ac.cr/index.php/istmica/article/view/22036
Paraula clau:civil engineering
cultural heritage
heritage conservation
natural disasters
Caribbean region
ingeniería civil
patrimonio cultural
conservación del patrimonio
desastres naturales
región del Caribe