SANAA's Curved Brick Design Chosen for National Museum of Ecuador
Embracing Heritage: A Vision for Ecuador's National Museum
A Shift in Architectural Vision for Quito's National Museum
After local objections surfaced regarding the initial design, a new vision for the National Museum of Ecuador in Quito has emerged. The chosen concept, crafted by SANAA alongside Caá Porá Arquitectura, Estudio A0, Jerome Haferd Studio, and Taller Capital Landscape, features a striking curved brick edifice. This collaborative effort, operating under the moniker SANAA + A0-CPA-JHS, marks a pivotal moment for the cultural landscape of Ecuador's capital.
The 'Living Strata' Concept: Interconnected Plazas and Terracotta Facade
Positioned strategically along the edge of La Carolina Park, the winning proposal, dubbed 'Living Strata', envisions a dynamic complex characterized by "interconnected vertical plazas." The building's exterior will be clad in terracotta brick, creating a visually engaging facade. This design not only promises a modern aesthetic but also seeks to harmonize with the existing urban fabric, including notable projects by other international studios in the vicinity.
Public Engagement and the Recall of the Former Design
The current selection process gained momentum after the Ecuadorian government decided to revoke the previous winning design by Studio Alberto Campo Baeza and MAODA. This decision followed an online petition that garnered widespread support from citizens critical of the original scheme. The 'Living Strata' design, which initially placed third in the competition, was ultimately elevated to the winning position after a renewed submission phase for the finalists.
Cultural Resonance: Pre-Columbian and Post-Columbian Inspirations
Central to the 'Living Strata' concept is its deep connection to Ecuadorian heritage. The design team emphasized that the museum's form draws inspiration from "pre-Columbian and post-Columbian cultures," aiming to be a reflective symbol for all Ecuadorian people. This cultural grounding ensures that the architectural expression is not merely contemporary but also deeply rooted in the nation's rich history and collective identity.
Architectural Details: Circular Openings and Park Integration
The museum building is planned to rise nine stories, incorporating subterranean levels for storage and parking. A distinctive feature of the design is the inclusion of several circular openings that penetrate the main volume, creating inviting courtyards within the structure. Furthermore, the surrounding plaza will be adorned with circular pools and verdant planting beds, extending the natural beauty of La Carolina Park into the museum's immediate environment.
Symbolism of the Circle and Community Connection
The design team articulated that the project's embrace of the circle is deliberate, serving as "an expression of collective memory, gathering, and connection with the cosmos." This symbolic choice highlights the museum's role as a communal space, inviting both local and international visitors to immerse themselves in Ecuador's vibrant history and cultural narratives.
Museum Layout: Galleries Above, Public Space Below
The internal organization of the museum places the primary exhibition galleries on the upper levels, reserving the lower plaza level for public interaction. This design choice ensures that the ground floor seamlessly extends the public realm of La Carolina Park, fostering a sense of continuity between the urban landscape and the cultural institution. The museum's graceful curvilinear shape is also conceived to engage in a "dialogue with the Pichincha volcano," an iconic natural landmark overlooking Quito.
Future Milestones: Groundbreaking and Institutional Evolution
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new National Museum of Ecuador is anticipated in 2027. This latest iteration of the museum, which has undergone various transformations and names since the late 1960s, is a significant undertaking initiated under Ecuadorian president Daniel Noboa. The project's ultimate goal is to establish a lasting and dedicated home for a museum primarily focused on showcasing local art and culture.
Reflections on the Competition and Architectural Discourse
While the SANAA team acknowledged the "public Ecuadorian voting process" involved in their selection, they opted not to comment further on the competition's specific outcomes. Meanwhile, the architects of the previously recalled design, Campo Baeza and MAODA, expressed their regret at being excluded from a public discourse, drawing parallels to how such debates have enriched other iconic projects like the Sydney Opera House and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. The broader area around La Carolina Park continues to be a hub of architectural innovation, with projects such as BIG's EPIQ tower and Safdie Architects' stacked unit skyscraper also contributing to its dynamic transformation.