The historic district of Liberia, Costa Rica: a community-based proyect.

Liberia, Costa Rica, a modest city with around 67,000 residents, serves as an access point to well-liked tourist spots in the Guanacaste region. There has been noteworthy growth in the city over recent years, characterized by advances in development and infrastructure.
The establishment of the current city of Liberia can be traced back to two key elements. First and foremost is the existence of cattle ranches in the 18th century, owned by landholders from Rivas, Nicaragua. Further fueling this were trading activities between Costa Rica's Central Valley, Nicoya district, and routes towards northern Central America—particularly with Nicaragua—which led to El Guanacaste town being founded in 1769.
The "Historic Center of Liberia" initiative is a community-driven endeavor led by the Association for Culture that continues to develop. These collaborative actions between the Association, the Municipality and the University highlight the complexities and obstacles inherent in participatory approaches while offering valuable insights into their intricacies. While specific to this case study, these issues are of general interest and relevance, offering broader lessons. This initiative exemplifies how collective efforts can significantly influence shaping and preservation of cultural heritage in historic centers, with implications beyond the immediate context.
This project envisages a re-envisioned urban center that prioritizes collaboration among different stakeholders. It aims to surpass traditional heritage conservation models by including diverse perspectives not only in shaping physical spaces but also cultural narratives within an urban context.