Development and Content Validity Assessment of a Bioclimatic–Territorial Framework for Ecolodge Design in the Hot–Humid Ecuadorian Amazon
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Ecolodge design in the hot–humid Ecuadorian Amazon must account for climate, ecology, construction, culture, and daily operation. This exploratory, conceptual, and framework-oriented study developed a bioclimatic–territorial framework and assessed its content validity using a sequential mixed-methods design with qualitative priority. Development combined an integrative review of 105 original studies, thematic synthesis, and aggregated contextual evidence from a prior academic project involving five ecolodge managers. Ten experts assessed 19 statements for relevance, clarity, coherence, and anticipated applicability, yielding an overall Aiken’s V of 0.858 (95% CI: 0.843–0.872). Following revision and operationalization, an independent panel of eight experts reassessed the framework, yielding V = 0.854 (95% CI: 0.836–0.869); all five dimensions exceeded the prespecified benchmark of 0.80. The consolidated framework connects multiscale territorial diagnosis, project-specific problems, adaptation principles, architectural and operational decisions, required resources and capacities, and 25 verification criteria. An illustrative application in Macas demonstrates the decision sequence and identifies evidence gaps. The contribution is a traceable design-support process that treats documented Amazonian conditions as operational inputs. Expert assessments support content validity; building performance remains untested.
Source: Buildings
Institution: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7225179903