Territorio, vivienda, cultura: diagnóstico de los modos de habitar emberá katío en Urrao, Antioquia, Colombia

Abstract

This research presents a diagnostic assessment of the dwelling practices of the Emberá Katío Eyabida Indigenous community, settled in the mountainous rural areas of Urrao, Antioquia, Colombia. The study aims to identify and analyze their territorial, cultural, and housing dynamics in order to establish a foundation for future research on spatial design and traditional construction techniques, ensuring cultural relevance and environmental sustainability. Adopting a qualitative approach with an ethnographic perspective, the study employed social mapping, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and descriptive table-based analysis. The findings reveal a dispersed settlement pattern, the central role of the tambo as both a physical and symbolic core, and a close relationship between housing, territory, and cultural practices. Self-construction, the use of locally sourced materials, and traditional ecological knowledge emerge as key drivers of sustainability and social cohesion. This diagnostic assessment provides valuable inputs for participatory territorial planning and the development of housing strategies adapted to Indigenous contexts.