Ancestral construction techniques in southern Ecuador: from pre-Hispanic cultures to contemporary practices

Abstract This article examines the construction methods employed in southern Ecuador prior to the Spanish conquest, focusing on their historical development, archaeological presence, and continued application in vernacular architecture. Emphasising the lesser-studied Cañari tradition alongside Inca techniques, this study analyses five methods, bahareque, adobe, rammed earth, cob, and carved stone, on the basis of archaeological records, the historical literature, and field observations. Rather than evaluating individual buildings, this research assesses these techniques as evolving knowledge systems, highlighting their material logic, climatic adaptability, and seismic resilience. Special attention is given to two major archaeological sites, Ingapirca and Pumapungo, whose architectural features reflect both indigenous and imperial influences. The study also addresses the erosion of traditional construction knowledge and contemporary regulatory challenges but affirms that the discussed construction methods, especially when enhanced by modern adaptations, hold relevance for sustainable, low-carbon design in Andean settings. By contributing new insights from an underrepresented geographical and cultural context, the article advances the international debates on heritage conservation, ecological construction, and the revalorisation of vernacular knowledge in global architectural discourses.