In the midst of political turmoil and economic instability, a group of young architects in Quito, Ecuador are redefining the role of architecture in their society. These architects, all under the age of 50, are advocating for transparency, community, and sustainability in their designs, using materials like recycled wood and earth to create buildings that are in harmony with the land.
One of the most prominent firms leading this movement is Al Borde (To the Edge), founded by David Barragán and Pascual Gangotena. The firm emerged in the early 2000s, during a period of economic and political upheaval in Ecuador. Influenced by their studies at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, where they were taught by renowned architects like Sáez and Handel Guayasamín, the architects of Al Borde are guided by the mantra of “doing more with less.”
Ana María Durán Calisto, a Quito-born architect and scholar at Yale, describes these architects as neither adhering to the Modernist architecture of Latin American socialism nor the neoliberal architecture of Latin American corporatism. Instead, they are architects of the minga, a concept that emphasizes collaboration, community, and shared resources.
Despite the challenges facing Ecuador, including political turmoil and a rising homicide rate, these architects are forging a new path forward, one that prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and a deep connection to the land. Their work is not just about building structures, but about creating a more inclusive and environmentally conscious society.
