Kengo Kuma bases Quito skyscraper design on "ancient ceramics"
Japanese architecture studio Kengo Kuma and Associates has released designs for a residential skyscraper in Quito, Ecuador, the studio's first in the city.
The Qapital tower is set to be 32 storeys at 420 feet tall (128.5 metres), and joins a growing number of projects in Quito by international architecture studios developed by local office Uribe Schwarzkopf, including recently completed projects by BIG and Safdie Architects.
Like these two other towers, Qapital will border La Carolina Park in Quito's central business district.
It will contain 509 "micro" studio apartments ranging from 226 square feet (21 square metres) to 389 square feet (36.15 square metres), as well as three commercial floors on its lower levels and amenities spaces such as a rooftop pool, a pet spa and a spa.
Renders depict a facade with large openings cut away from the building. It will be made of striated stacks of stone, and plants are shown pouring off balconies.
According to architect Kengo Kuma, its textured facade was informed by his personal interest in ceramics.
"I have long been interested in the similarities between ancient ceramics in Japan and Ecuador – their shared sensitivities to form and the valorization of natural material," said Kuma.
"With Qapital, that focus on nature and texture became the starting point for the design, visible through the building's carved facade and the weaving of nature into the heart of the city."
According to the team, the design was also informed by the "rugged beauty" of the Andes mountain range, which runs down the western coast of South America and cradles Quito.
The tower's balconies take cues from the porous surface of Andean rocks, for instance, which provide "ample space for plants to grow within their crevices".
Interior renderings show a compact model bedroom lined with a light wood. Ammenity spaces are pictured as sprawling, organically shaped, and cavernous.
"The building combines functional design with compact living space, offering a flexible and dynamic opportunity for both living and investment," said the team.
It will also include a mosaic by Italian homeware brand Fornasetti, marking its first work in South America.
Qapital is expected to be completed in 2029.
Uribe Schwarzkopf is also working with MAD Architects on another skyscraper in Quito, and has developed projects by architect Philippe Starck and Jean Nouvel in the city.
"Our collaboration with Kengo Kuma and Associates and Fornasetti reflects our commitment to bringing projects by the world's most innovative, esteemed architects and designers to the city," said Uribe Schwarzkopf CEO Joseph Schwarzkopf.
"Quito has seen rapid growth in the short-term rental market in recent years, so it was important for us to develop a building with compact, flexible living in mind, impeccable design and quality amenities that enhance everyday living, helping to attract new residents and visitors to our vibrant city."
Elsewhere, Kengo Kuma and Associates recently completed an installation in Copenhagen and was appointed to extend the National Gallery in London.
The post Kengo Kuma bases Quito skyscraper design on "ancient ceramics" appeared first on Dezeen.
