Ecuador, a Journey through Architecture, Culture and Land
A soon-to-be-released photobook exploring contemporary architecture in Ecuador, featuring the work of Luca Piffaretti and Francesco Russo.
Ecuador, a small nation bordered by Colombia and Peru, features a rich diversity of landscapes, from the Andes and Amazon rainforest to the Pacific Coast and the Galápagos Islands. Its contemporary architecture reflects this geographical variety, blending traditional materials and techniques with modern design solutions that respond to the country’s unique environments.
Despite economic and political challenges, Ecuadorian architects are pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, crafting projects that serve communities across social and economic divides. This photography documentation offers a comprehensive look at Ecuador’s contemporary architecture, highlighting works by architects at different stages of their careers. Through more than 40 projects, it explores how architecture in Ecuador engages with its natural surroundings, urban conditions, and social contexts, revealing a dynamic interplay between design, environment, and culture.
Francesco and Luca have recently closed a crowdfunding campaign to transform this project into a photobook. It’s been a successful campaign, so they now aim to release the book by the end of 2026.
The project was first exhibited as part of the Quito Architecture Biennale 2024 programme in the Ecuadorian capital.
Invited by the Quito Architecture Biennale, the photographers returned to Ecuador in November 2024 to showcase their ongoing work to an international audience at the Museum Muñoz Mariño, housed in a stunning colonial building in the heart of the city's historic centre.
The exhibition unfolds through a fluid and immersive narrative, where the photographers' works seamlessly interweave, guiding visitors on a visual journey through the diverse landscapes and environments that define the South American nation.
Exhibited:
Museo Muñoz Mariño, Nov 2024, Quito, Ecuador
“This project is an effort to appreciate and rediscover […] our country, inspiring us to keep shaping our heritage and identity by showcasing the contrasts and nuances […]”
Aurelio Peñaherrera, director of Studio BLUR