Architectural Cases

Embracing Heritage, Forging Sanctuary: Pamba Bike Refuge

Ancient Inspirations: Designing for the Andean Spirit

Urlo Studio, a local architecture firm, drew profound inspiration from the region's ancient Andean observation points for their latest project. This unique design approach allowed them to embed the Pamba Bike Refuge into a sloping site outside Quito, Ecuador, creating a structure that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its environment. The pavilion's form echoes historical Andean stone structures, known as pucarás, which traditionally served as housing or strategic lookouts. This architectural homage ensures the refuge not only provides functional benefits but also connects users to the rich cultural tapestry of the Andes.

A Haven for Cyclists: Integrating Functionality and Nature

Spanning an expansive 900 square meters, the Pamba Bike Refuge serves as an open-air haven for cyclists navigating the challenging terrain of Pambamarca Hill in Ascázubi, Ecuador. Its strategic placement ensures that users of the bike park naturally gravitate towards its welcoming embrace. The refuge's design cleverly positions it between the earth and the dense forest, employing tinted concrete and a permeable wooden framework. This material selection allows the structure to mimic its surroundings, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement with the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. The primary function is to offer respite from the often-harsh Andean climate, providing comfort and protection to those exploring the scenic routes.

Architectural Synthesis: Concrete, Wood, and Natural Light

The refuge's monumental concrete elements, informed by ancient regional architecture, anchor the design. These solid volumes on either end house essential facilities: one side features a reception area and a dedicated bike shop, while the other hosts a cozy restaurant cafe. The central area, acting as a resting point, is adorned with picnic tables, planters, and inviting sunken seating areas. The earthy tones of the concrete further reinforce the structure's integral connection to the land. Thoughtfully designed metal-framed openings allow natural light to flood the interior, creating bright and airy spaces. This openness encourages cyclists to move freely between the interior and exterior, bike in tow, fostering a dynamic and unhindered experience.

Canopy and Connection: The Rhythmic Embrace of Wood

A striking mass-timber wooden canopy gracefully spans between the concrete structures, forming a protective and aesthetically pleasing roof. Several paved pathways guide visitors into the central rest area, which is subtly defined by a waist-high glass partition. Beyond its supportive role, the wooden beams are meticulously arranged to form rhythmic porticos, lending a dynamic flow to the entire structure. The studio describes this laminated-wood roof as a light and rhythmic element, designed with robust porticos that support generous front and rear overhangs. This design blurs the traditional boundaries between inside and outside, while nearly invisible tempered glass cascades down the front facade, shielding occupants from the elements without obstructing the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The choice of resilient materials ensures the refuge can withstand the harsh equatorial sun, rain, and strong winds over time.

Natural Contrasts and Sustainable Solutions

The interior of the refuge bursts with life, featuring vibrant vegetation such as ferns, philodendrons, and yellow lilies. These lush plantings, alongside the warm wooden structure, create a striking and inviting contrast to the sturdy concrete surfaces. Outside, indigenous species like myrtle, white straw, and cat's tail trees further integrate the refuge into its natural habitat. Building on an off-grid site presented unique logistical challenges, necessitating meticulous planning for materials, personnel, water, and electricity—especially given the project's stringent budget. Urlo Studio successfully navigated these constraints, making design choices that honored the client's budget without compromising the architectural vision. This approach fostered creative solutions, resulting in a space where cyclists can comfortably rest and move with ease, all while being immersed in the beauty of the Andean environment.

Architect Lina Ghotmeh is poised to unveil her latest creation, 'Metamorphosis in Motion,' a captivating labyrinthine installation that will grace the courtyard of Milan's Palazzo Litta during the highly anticipated Milan Design Week. This marks Ghotmeh's inaugural site-specific outdoor solo endeavor in Italy, a work profoundly inspired by the rich history of the palace itself, manifesting as a striking pink maze. Commissioned for the annual MoscaPartners Variations exhibition, which will transform the baroque Palazzo Litta into a hub for international designers, the installation promises to be a focal point.

Ghotmeh elaborates on her vision, stating, "Metamorphosis unfolds through interaction. The courtyard evolves from a mere entry point to a communal space, from a static representation to an active participation, weaving together space, memory, and experience into a unified, fluid architectural narrative." The design employs shifting perspectives, fluid geometric forms, and a deliberate sequential pathway to create 'Metamorphosis in Motion,' aptly named for its transformative effect on the courtyard. Ghotmeh further explains, "We contemplated the courtyard's dual function as both a thoroughfare and a symbolic space — an interstitial realm designed to direct movement and heighten sensory engagement." She adds that the installation is a playful labyrinth, activating the courtyard without altering its fundamental structure, introducing a contemporary layer that offers visitors a moment of tranquil contemplation amidst the vibrant energy of design week. Visualizations depict a labyrinth of screens and seating, rendered in a bold cerise-pink hue, exuding a monolithic presence.

MoscaPartners envisions 'Metamorphosis in Motion' as the dramatic and conceptual heart of the exhibition, occupying the entire central courtyard. Caterina Mosca, founder of MoscaPartners, emphasizes, "Our installations for this unique venue have always transcended mere backdrops, serving as conceptual gateways that dictate the exhibition's rhythm and mood, transforming into vibrant spaces where human involvement becomes an intrinsic part of the artwork." She concludes, "With 'Metamorphosis in Motion,' Lina brilliantly encapsulates the synergy between our research and that of the exhibitors: an approach that extends beyond the tangible object to embrace notions of renewal and adaptability." According to MoscaPartners, the labyrinth's distinct modules will delineate various zones, offering diverse avenues for engaging with the 'Metamorphosis in Motion' installation.

This innovative installation follows last year's transformation of the courtyard by South Korean architect Byoung Soo Cho, who introduced red gravel in his European debut. Lina Ghotmeh, recognized by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential rising stars last year, continues to shape the architectural landscape, having designed the Bahrain Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka and currently undertaking the renovation of a section of the British Museum in London. Her work consistently pushes boundaries, fostering a deeper connection between people and their built environment, enriching cultural dialogues, and inspiring new perspectives on space and interaction.