Ecuador’s capital Quito has welcomed the EPIQ tower, a 101-metre-tall skyscraper epitomizing the face of new, sustainable urbanism in the growing city. Created by Danish architecture studio BIG in partnership with Quito-based developers Uribe Schwarzkopf, EPIQ is a 24-story mixed-use development, composed of a single tower in multiple divided blocks or “buildings within a building,” that are connected by planted terraces offering vast panoramic views.
Located next to La Carolina Park, a vibrant outdoor area, EPIQ is a dynamic, porous structure clad in pink colored tiles, a reference to the hues of the Old City’s salmon pink buildings that date back to the 16th century. Ceramic tiles are commonly used in Quito’s architecture.
“The historical center of Quito with its red herringbone sidewalks is a bombardment of forms, geometry, typography and color. At the south tip of La Carolina park, our aim is to create a three dimensional community: a constellation of building volumes of different sizes that form a holistic whole offering the residents and their families a variety of sun filled openings, passages, parks and pockets for play, social life, work and enjoyment,” said Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.
“It has been perfectly designed, creating landscapes with warm and natural textures, echoing the elements that make up our essence, such as the city’s striking sunsets, the Andean flora and fauna, and the weavings of the toquilla straw, typical to Ecuador” noted Uribe Schwarzkopf.
Described as a “vertical neighborhood” by BIG the project offers everything in one place: Apartments and other amenities such as children’s play room, a gym, a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, a squash court, a bowling alley, a spa, lounge spaces, game rooms, a business center and a movie theater. Offices are spread over the first three floors, while retail units and food and drink facilities are located on the ground floor.
EPIQ’s design is characterized by the use of leading sustainable technology. This includes a greywater treatment plant to reuse rainwater, an architectural design that considers the unique climate of the city to account for the effects of the sun and reduce heating and air conditioning needs, a bank of materials to reuse and recycle construction materials, and eco-efficient appliances installed throughout.
EPIQ is BIG’s second building in the city, In 2022, the architect completed work on the pixelated 32-storey IQON, now the city’s tallest structure. The capital of Ecuador in recent years is undergoing a transformation as new projects designed by big-name architects crop up across the city.
