Architectural Cases

Nestled on Combu Island, merely a 15-minute boat ride from Belém, the Popopô Gallery stands as a testament to architecture's ability to embody the essence of its natural surroundings, transforming the journey across the river into a tangible space. Situated within the protected environmental zone of Combu Island, this initiative emerged from a deep understanding of the local ecosystem and the daily rhythms of its inhabitants. It reimagines the everyday experience of river transit into a built environment, symbolizing more than just an exhibition venue.

The gallery not only serves as a hub for artistic displays but also signifies a pivotal cultural milestone for the region. By being the first art gallery on the island, it bridges the gap between creative expression and the profound social and emotional heritage of the riverside community. This unique space fosters a dialogue between contemporary art and traditional ways of life, providing a platform where local narratives and global artistic trends converge.

Ultimately, the Popopô Gallery exemplifies how thoughtful design can enrich a community, preserve cultural identity, and promote environmental consciousness. It invites visitors to engage with art in a setting that deeply resonates with its origins, celebrating the symbiotic relationship between humans, nature, and creativity. Through its innovative approach, the gallery contributes to the cultural vibrancy of Combu Island, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among its people and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the interplay of art and environment.

Between 2023 and 2024, photographers Francesco Russo and Luca Piffaretti embarked on an extensive journey to document more than 40 contemporary architectural works across Ecuador. Their expedition spanned the nation's varied topography, including its coast, the majestic Andes Mountains, the lush Amazon rainforest, and the unique Galápagos Islands, as well as major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. This visual archive delves into how modern Ecuadorian architecture reflects and shapes the country's evolving identity, considering its intricate relationships with natural settings, urban environments, and societal needs. The selected projects, from prominent local firms such as Al Borde, Durán & Hermida, and RAMA Estudio, showcase innovative approaches that blend creativity and technology with sustainable resources. This initiative underscores how design can forge high-quality spaces that meet contemporary demands for ecological responsibility, even amidst the economic, climatic, and political complexities prevalent in Latin America and globally.

Ecuador, positioned on the equator and sharing borders with Colombia, Peru, and the Pacific Ocean, boasts an incredibly diverse landscape. Its distinct geographical regions—the Andes, Amazon, Coast, and Galápagos Islands—offer a rich tapestry of biodiversity and contrasting environments. The coastal area, hugging the Pacific, is characterized by vibrant tropical flora, a humid climate, and flourishing agriculture. The Andes, cutting through the heart of the country, create a natural north-south divide with peaks soaring up to 6,000 meters. This mountain range both shelters and segregates the Amazon region, which extends eastward into Peru and Brazil. Approximately 1,000 kilometers offshore in the Pacific, the Galápagos Islands, famously visited by Charles Darwin in the 19th century, are a haven of unparalleled biodiversity, renowned for their distinctive wildlife and marine ecosystems.

In these varied regions, urban centers like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca are profoundly influenced by their geographical surroundings. The photographic collection captures Ecuador's urban areas, illustrating the harmonious coexistence of modern infrastructure with a rich cultural and historical legacy. The imagery of contemporary architecture reveals how structures adapt to environmental and geographical diversity, creating unique atmospheres shaped by indigenous construction methods, local materials, and context-specific design solutions. The nation's architectural scene demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing climate change, alongside social and economic challenges. Russo and Piffaretti's work highlights how Ecuadorian architects are pushing the boundaries of construction techniques towards greater sustainability, while simultaneously developing projects that serve communities across different social and economic strata.

Ecuadorian architecture, influenced by its diverse geography, integrates experimental material use with social engagement. According to editor Daniela Andino, architectural practice in Ecuador is increasingly viewed as a collaborative, sustainable, and identity-shaping endeavor. This shift emphasizes a focus on 'with whom' to build, rather than merely 'what' to build. Architects collaborate closely with local artisans, communities, and industries, redefining their field through workshops, shared studios, and on-site innovation, thereby embedding activism into the design process. Emerging academic programs and global influences have heightened awareness of climate and social justice, fostering creative solutions to environmental and societal issues, often drawing upon the ancestral wisdom of Indigenous communities. The photo series illustrates this ongoing transformation, showcasing projects that range from the use of palm leaves in coastal roofing to the innovative recycling of materials in the Amazon.

Francesco Russo, an architectural photographer based in London and Venice, transitioned from a background in architecture to focus entirely on architectural photography, working globally. Luca Piffaretti, based in London and Switzerland, is a photojournalist whose work blends commissioned projects for architects and designers with personal explorations of psychogeographical themes. Together, they founded MASS, a London-based collective dedicated to documenting the built environment. MASS has curated three significant exhibitions—Londons (2021), Where the Flow Ends (2024), and Contrasts (2024)—where their Ecuador research was prominently featured at the Quito Architecture Biennale (BAQ). They also produce self-published zines, engage in educational initiatives with universities and institutions, and plan to compile their extensive Ecuador series into a forthcoming book.