The proposal of the BAQ twenty-third edition frames several turning points in history that have determined profound processes of change in the historical and cultural horizon through which humanity moves and on which it acts.
At the beginning of the year 2020, with the appearance of the first pandemic of the 21st century, the whole world underwent a process of transition around this turning point, which has meant the assimilation of a series of effects on different spheres. Living in general and the city, in particular, are certainly two of them.
The Winners of the BAQ 2020 edition in the categories "Pan-American Grand Prize", "Equipment", and "Heritage Architecture Intervention or of Heritage Interest" are as follows.-
1. Estudio Iturbide - Mexico
At the beginning of the year 2020, with the appearance of the first pandemic of the 21st century, the whole world underwent a process of transition around this turning point, which has meant the assimilation of a series of effects on different spheres. Living in general and the city, in particular, are certainly two of them.
The Winners of the BAQ 2020 edition in the categories "Pan-American Grand Prize", "Equipment", and "Heritage Architecture Intervention or of Heritage Interest" are as follows.-
1. Estudio Iturbide - Mexico
Winner of the Biennial Grand Prize
Author/s.- Taller Mauricio Rocha + Gabriela Carrillo
In a 7×14 lot in the Barrio del Niño Jesús and only a few steps away from Graciela Iturbide's house, a small tower of only three levels emerges in the context that extrudes its measurements in the plan to become a solid piece of clay that de-constructs before its materiality in very fine and almost imperceptible steel tensions.
In its interior three planes of wood, concrete and marble appear stretched from one side to the other creating a pair of empty spaces of multiple heights, surely plagued soon by courtyards with gardens, authored by its owner. Its interior façades almost imperceptibly insinuate the conditions of the surrounding neighbors with mud that may or may not allow light to pass through and then turn into shadows.
A piece that seeks to be mass and emptiness, an ethereal volume that disappears with light and shadow; that ceases to be so that the powerful atmosphere that transmits this woman we admire so much inhabits it and makes it her own.
Author/s.- Taller Mauricio Rocha + Gabriela Carrillo
In a 7×14 lot in the Barrio del Niño Jesús and only a few steps away from Graciela Iturbide's house, a small tower of only three levels emerges in the context that extrudes its measurements in the plan to become a solid piece of clay that de-constructs before its materiality in very fine and almost imperceptible steel tensions.
In its interior three planes of wood, concrete and marble appear stretched from one side to the other creating a pair of empty spaces of multiple heights, surely plagued soon by courtyards with gardens, authored by its owner. Its interior façades almost imperceptibly insinuate the conditions of the surrounding neighbors with mud that may or may not allow light to pass through and then turn into shadows.
A piece that seeks to be mass and emptiness, an ethereal volume that disappears with light and shadow; that ceases to be so that the powerful atmosphere that transmits this woman we admire so much inhabits it and makes it her own.
2. Pivadenco Rural School - Chile
Winner of the Equipment category. Panamerican Award
Author/s.- Rodrigo Duque M. (Duque Motta & AA), Cristián Larraín and Matías Madsen (MAPA AC)
The Pivadenco School is part of the Araucanía Rural Schools project, a MINEDUC initiative that, through architectural competitions, proposed the development of eight schools in the region.
To enhance this idea, it was defined to bring together the programs associated with common areas, in a single space, capable of organizing the other enclosures, linking with the outside, and adapting to different activities.
To achieve adaptability, we seek to dilute the limits between this space and the classrooms through sliding doors that allow integration and flexibility of use.
Author/s.- Rodrigo Duque M. (Duque Motta & AA), Cristián Larraín and Matías Madsen (MAPA AC)
The Pivadenco School is part of the Araucanía Rural Schools project, a MINEDUC initiative that, through architectural competitions, proposed the development of eight schools in the region.
To enhance this idea, it was defined to bring together the programs associated with common areas, in a single space, capable of organizing the other enclosures, linking with the outside, and adapting to different activities.
To achieve adaptability, we seek to dilute the limits between this space and the classrooms through sliding doors that allow integration and flexibility of use.
3. Green Cacmu. United Women's Savings and Credit Cooperative - Ecuador.
Winner in the category of intervention in heritage architecture or architecture of heritage interest. Panamerican Award
Author/s.- Procesos Urbanos, Jorge Andrade Benítez, Gabriela Naranjo Serrano, Emilio Thodes Miranda, María José Valdospinos.
The CACMU VERDE project is located in the historic center of Ibarra and its building is inventoried as a property with heritage value by the INPC. The building consists of a constructed area and an unconstructed area.
The existing building was intervened, recognizing its value as part of the heritage of the Historic Center of Ibarra, seeking to highlight its materiality and typology. On the exterior façade, we proposed the recovery of all the wood carpentry. Due to the deterioration of the original roof, it was decided to replace it, maintaining the original heights, slopes, and the use of wood as its structure.
The relationship between the perimeter spaces of the building with the interior courtyard is reinforced by the redesign of the roof: with an eave configured by a self-supporting wooden truss and the roof of the courtyard in a light metal structure supported by wooden columns placed on the perimeter. On the interior, a woven screen will provide sun coverage for those on the service and cafeteria balcony.
Author/s.- Procesos Urbanos, Jorge Andrade Benítez, Gabriela Naranjo Serrano, Emilio Thodes Miranda, María José Valdospinos.
The CACMU VERDE project is located in the historic center of Ibarra and its building is inventoried as a property with heritage value by the INPC. The building consists of a constructed area and an unconstructed area.
The existing building was intervened, recognizing its value as part of the heritage of the Historic Center of Ibarra, seeking to highlight its materiality and typology. On the exterior façade, we proposed the recovery of all the wood carpentry. Due to the deterioration of the original roof, it was decided to replace it, maintaining the original heights, slopes, and the use of wood as its structure.
The relationship between the perimeter spaces of the building with the interior courtyard is reinforced by the redesign of the roof: with an eave configured by a self-supporting wooden truss and the roof of the courtyard in a light metal structure supported by wooden columns placed on the perimeter. On the interior, a woven screen will provide sun coverage for those on the service and cafeteria balcony.
The new image of the 2022 Biennial will seek to revisit turning points in history to understand the moment we are living in today. That is why the next edition seeks to answer questions such as: What challenges will the architecture of tomorrow face? and Has architecture been able to adapt and innovate in the face of diverse scenarios at different moments in history?
"The BAQ invites you to contribute to the contemporary discussion of architecture, valuing spaces for reflection and debate in which to explore the possibilities of architecture, to build critical thinking, and strengthen the practice and craft... This event is a milestone in the process of the Biennial. Welcome to look at us in the presence of the Biennial."
Yadhira Álvarez, president of the Pan American Biennial of Architecture of Quito BAQ 2022
and vice-president of the College of Architects of Pichincha.
and vice-president of the College of Architects of Pichincha.
The BAQ will be held from November 14 to 18, 2022, in a face-to-face format with high expectations for those who are and have been part of this meeting, which will not abandon the digital environment altogether, as it promises to maintain virtual activities and online resources for all those who cannot be present due to distance or lack of time.
The Biennial 2022 will feature a line-up of highly prestigious speakers from the most influential national and international studios that have been confirmed to date. Such as DOGMA from Italy, Gustavo Utrabo from Brazil, Livni + from Uruguay, Usos/Arquitectura from Spain and Colombia, Barclay & Crousse from Peru, and BAGG from Argentina.
