Kathrin Golda-Pongratz

The article deals with the structural and paradigmatic changes of Lima´s historic centre since 1940 through three approximations. The first one gives evidence of the importance of prehispanic traces within the texture of the actual city layout. The second approach analyses the rise of modernism, its link with immigration and the emergence of “antimodern” developments. The third reveals reciprocal effects between the centre and the informal expanding metropolis. It portrays the autogenerated periphery as an opponent, motor of structural change and point of reference for the inner city. The unsustainable horizontal urban growth reveals a paradox that opposes the enormous potential of void space and empty buildings in the heart of the city.
Key words: Lima, historic centre, prehispanic traces, modernism, urban expansion policy, urban renewal.

	Resumen La transformación de estructura y significado del centro de Lima. Tres aproximaciones.
	El artículo se ocupa de las transformaciones estructurales y paradigmáticas del centro histórico de Lima producidas después de 1940, a través de tres aproximaciones. La primera aborda el tema de las huellas prehispánicas y su influencia determinante en la textura urbana actual. Una segunda analiza cómo la formación de la modernidad está directamente relacionada con la inmigración y el surgimiento de desarrollos “antimodernos”. La tercera aproximación aborda la cuestión de los efectos recíprocos entre el centro y la metrópoli en expansión informal. Se retrata la periferia autogenerada como adversaria, motor del cambio de estructura y punto de referencia del núcleo histórico. Se desvela la paradoja del crecimiento urbano horizontal insostenible frente a un potencial enorme de espacios y edificios vacíos en el corazón de la ciudad. Palabras claves: Lima, centro histórico, huellas prehispánicas, modernidad, política de expansión urbana, renovación urbana.

	Abstract Lima centre: transformation of structure and meaning. Three approximations.
	The article deals with the structural and paradigmatic changes of Lima´s historic centre since 1940 through three approximations. The first one gives evidence of the importance of prehispanic traces within the texture of the actual city layout. The second approach analyses the rise of modernism, its link with immigration and the emergence of “antimodern” developments. The third reveals reciprocal effects between the centre and the informal expanding metropolis. It portrays the autogenerated periphery as an opponent, motor of structural change and point of reference for the inner city. The unsustainable horizontal urban growth reveals a paradox that opposes the enormous potential of void space and empty buildings in the heart of the city. Key words: Lima, historic centre, prehispanic traces, modernism, urban expansion policy, urban renewal.