SANAA-Led Team Unveils Winning Design for Ecuador's New National Museum in Quito
A prominent international collective, spearheaded by SANAA and involving Estudio A0, Caá Porá Arquitectura, Jerome Haferd Studio, and Taller Capital Landscape, has been selected to create the future Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNA) in Quito. Their proposal, named "Living Strata," emerged victorious after a thorough evaluation process that integrated both expert jury assessment and public feedback. The design aims to reimagine the museum as an inclusive civic space, harmoniously merging diverse exhibition zones, engaging public initiatives, and expansive green areas, encapsulating a profound connection between varied cultures and unified experiences. This decision marks the conclusion of a rigorous global competition to shape Ecuador's forthcoming national museum.
The collaborative design philosophy for "Living Strata" is rooted in celebrating the intricate relationship between diverse elements—from the varied tapestry of cultures to the natural environment, and from ancient traditions to contemporary expressions. The architectural blueprint thoughtfully draws inspiration from both pre-Columbian and post-Columbian heritages, employing circular motifs as a fundamental organizational principle. These forms symbolize communal memory, the convergence of people, and the deep-seated connections to specific places. Far from conceiving the museum as a solitary structure, the design orchestrates a continuous flow of interconnected environments, where art galleries, educational facilities, open courtyards, and expansive public landscapes coalesce into a unified and immersive architectural journey.
The structural layout of the museum revolves around a series of interconnected courtyards. These serve a dual purpose: they vertically link different sections of the museum and concurrently usher in natural light and lush greenery into the interior spaces. At ground level, the main entrance and various public amenities are conceived as a collection of distinct pavilions nestled within an open, verdant landscape. This area is envisioned as a natural extension of the adjacent La Carolina Park, thereby strengthening the museum's integration with the vibrant urban fabric of the surrounding city. The public spaces gracefully extend upwards through a sequence of planted terraces, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. Complementing these outdoor features are adaptable gallery spaces, which range from intimate rooms designed for focused exhibits to expansive, open-plan floors, providing the versatility needed to accommodate a wide array of curatorial approaches and artistic presentations.
The museum's fluid, curvilinear architecture establishes a compelling visual dialogue with the majestic Pichincha volcano, while also intricately reflecting Ecuador's rich tapestry of diverse landscapes and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Developed in close partnership with Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and mestizo community advisors, the design conceptualizes the museum as an intricate network of vertical plazas that are strategically designed to foster meaningful interactions between visitors, the museum's extensive collections, and the broader public life. Comprehensive museum planning was expertly managed by DVDL, with Monica Vorbeck overseeing the museography. A core emphasis of the project is ensuring accessibility and delivering a visitor experience that transcends traditional exhibition boundaries, inviting engagement and exploration in every corner.
The selection of this design follows a previous competition outcome where an additional phase of evaluation was introduced, combining both public participation and jury assessment. SANAA's proposal ultimately prevailed, securing its position as the chosen design. Upon its completion, the Museo Nacional del Ecuador (MuNA) is set to become the permanent home for Ecuador's national collections, establishing itself as a vital cultural institution that intricately weaves together architecture, the natural landscape, and public engagement within the dynamic cityscape of Quito.