Unasur

Institutional Headquarters for UNASUR

The design is a massive piece that rises and is projected as a metaphor of freedom. Unasur has been designed as a sculptural connotation to surprise and show a different perspective depending on the point of view. The structure results in a positive, proactive and strong iconic image system. The scheme is also the largest armor cantilever in South America with 56 meters without support, according to several studies; modeling technology, drive and creativity. The minimalism of the elements on the exterior highlights the volume, as well as the smoothness of its architecture.

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Unasur by Diego Guayasamin

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Institutional Headquarters by Diego Guayasamin

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Diego Guayasamin Unasur

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Diego Guayasamin Institutional Headquarters

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Diego Guayasamin Designer Portrait Photo

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UNASURBrand Logo

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Unasur Institutional Headquarters Media Articles

Ready for your features: articles on Unasur in various languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, German, French, Portuguese and Dutch.

Unique Properties

The building's spatiality, tectonics and program played a fundamental role. The architects have been the designers, the interior designers and the landscape architects. Starting by choosing rock from an on-site quarry to connect the Middle of the World Complex to the project, as a continuous urban space. The use of double insulated dark glass, generating exteriority vs. interiority, day vs. night, transparency vs. opacity, contrasts. The tectonic was deeply analyzed because it had to satisfy standards, norms and protocols from 12 Latin American countries.

Tags

Metaphor, Freedom, Cantilever, Sculpture, Timeless, Equator, Sun, Iconic, Latitude

Production Technology

Environmentally UNASUR is committed to biophilic design and efficient strategies that aid in mitigating and controlling the carbon footprint left by the building. Starting with on-site materials, high-end technology and passive sustainable strategies such as water collection, certified materials, low energy consumption, cross ventilation, double skin façade system, double glazed glass, natural light, green interior and exterior areas, among others.

Design Challenge

A special analysis has been made to the immediate context and specifically on the Mitad del Mundo Monument. The building of UNASUR, has a horizontal type that does not exceed the height of that monument. Therefore, it is implanted in a lower level and even solves 75% of its program underground; including some of the building's significant areas such as the museum, library, etc. In this way the impact of a volume with a high requirement of areas is minimized.

Project Duration

The project is located next to the Mitad del Mundo monument, 14 km north of the capital city, Quito - Ecuador. The site of the proposal has been conceived as a continuous environment without barriers and open to the public, transmitting dimensional dynamic space to the mentioned complex. Likewise, the building is set back generating a large entrance plaza to the project, as a gesture of respect and contribution to the immediate environment.

Operation Flow

The project for UNASUR has not only analyzed the proposal within its limits. It is a socially inclusive proposal that generates open spaces for the community, as well as library and recreational areas. All of which encompasses a part of a much more ambitious integral project for the sector, including the re-empowerment of Manuel Cordova Galarza Avenue. Additionally, the reforestation of the Catequilla and Casitagua Hills, the new Boulevard of Equinoccial Avenue as an access to San Antonio de Pichincha, sports fields and finally, parks/public spaces. This involves a real and tangible catalyst for development for the sector and for tourism in the city.

Research

UNASUR is a worthy proposal with balanced combination of functionality, symbiosis of conceptual and pragmatic aspects in an iconic project with sober aesthetic.

Inspiration

The Project is located in Quito, Ecuador. Formally, the new building appears as a volume developed by three virtual axes. North-South the projection of the proposal with La Mitad del Mundo and the combination of these axes in 47 degrees, resulting from the sun or displacement of maximum declination north (23.5 degrees) and maximum declination south (23.5 degrees) in relation to the equator. The rest of the architectural approach is enrolled in the East-West axis.

Image Credits

@DiegoGuayasaminArquitectos

Project Overview

Unasur Institutional Headquarters has been a Platinum winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Platinum A' Design Award is recognized for honoring designs that stand at the forefront of creativity and innovation. It is the highest accolade bestowed by the A' Design Awards, acknowledging works that blend remarkable innovation with impactful societal contributions. These designs not only showcase exceptional artistic and technical proficiency but also highlight their creators' commitment to advancing the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology. Recipients of this award are celebrated for their role in shaping the aesthetics and trends of our time, contributing significantly to the enhancement of quality of life and promoting sustainable development.

Platinum Recognition

Diego Guayasamin was recognized with the coveted Platinum A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Unasur Institutional Headquarters.

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