SANAA-led consortium wins Ecuador's National Museum design competition after public intervention
A collective of architectural firms, spearheaded by SANAA, in collaboration with Estudio A0, Caá Porá Arquitectura, and Jerome Haferd Studio, has been declared the victor in the design competition for Ecuador's National Museum (MuNA). Their groundbreaking proposal, 'Estratos Vivos,' which translates to 'Living Strata,' captivated judges and the public alike with its innovative approach to integrating the museum into the natural and cultural tapestry of Ecuador. This decision marks the culmination of a distinctive selection process that notably incorporated widespread public input, a departure from traditional architectural competitions.
The selection of 'Estratos Vivos' by SANAA and its partners came after an unconventional turn of events. Initially, an international jury had chosen a different design. However, this preliminary decision faced considerable backlash from architects, academics, and the general populace, who voiced concerns about whether the proposed design genuinely represented Ecuador's rich cultural identity. This public outcry led to an online petition garnering thousands of signatures, prompting Ecuador's Ministry of Education to revoke the initial verdict. A subsequent, revised evaluation process was initiated, involving ten invited teams and ultimately incorporating a nationwide public vote alongside expert jury scores to determine the final winner.
The 'Estratos Vivos' concept proposes a museum that seamlessly merges with its surroundings, emerging from the landscape as a series of gently layered, circular structures. These forms are adorned with lush, planted terraces and open courtyards, creating an edifice that appears to organically expand both horizontally and vertically. This design consciously moves away from the imposing grandeur often associated with national civic buildings, instead offering a sequence of inviting public spaces that encourage visitors to explore at their own pace.
Within this innovative design, the exhibition spaces are organized around circular patios. These strategically placed openings facilitate the inflow of natural light and establish visual connections across different levels of the museum. A network of ramps, terraces, and open-air pathways creates fluid routes throughout the building, strategically framing breathtaking vistas of Quito and the majestic Pichincha volcano. This continuous architectural experience allows for a harmonious transition between enclosed art galleries and outdoor garden areas, blurring the lines between art and the urban environment.
The architectural team drew profound inspiration from Ecuador's diverse geography and its rich cultural heritage, which is characterized by various 'living strata' encompassing mountains, forests, coastlines, and ancient archaeological sites. This deep appreciation for the country's multi-faceted identity is reflected in the museum's design, which aims to be a collection of interconnected environments. Developed with the active involvement of Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and mestizo advisors, the proposal positions the museum as a vital space where a multitude of histories and perspectives can coexist and be celebrated independently, rather than being forced into a single, unified narrative.
The unusual yet ultimately successful integration of public opinion into the selection process for the National Museum of Ecuador underscores a significant shift in how national cultural institutions are conceived and developed. With the 'Estratos Vivos' project now moving forward, the collaborative team led by SANAA is poised to realize a museum that will not only house over 1.2 million cultural artifacts but also serve as a dynamic repository of Ecuador's historical and artistic legacy, deeply rooted in the collective spirit of its people.