Thanks to the work and material tests carried out by the PUCE Ibarra students, we now have the perfect foundation to start building with bahareque on site.

The students created full-scale (1:1) models and conducted multiple tests — including the construction of the wooden frame with the projected wall thickness and optimal spacing between slats. They also explored the bahareque process: extracting the earth, compacting it, and mixing it with fibers to achieve a homogeneous texture.

They applied the earth mixture and filled the frame; the wall was then left to dry for two months. They also tested a version of the frame filled with straw or wood shavings to improve thermal insulation and ventilation.

The knowledge and experience from PUCE Ibarra have been essential to understanding the bahareque technique and bringing that expertise to the construction site of our project

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra@eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar@fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign#ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction#EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Bahareque

After a short break, we’ve resumed construction of the vermifilter system!

Students and professors from UTE are continuing the work on-site in Quito. The process began by leveling the excavation pits, followed by adding gravel layers to help with grading and drainage.

Next, they installed the drainage pipes for the infiltration zone, which will carry the treated water from the vermifilter into the soil. Once the pipes were in place, another layer of gravel was added on top to protect and cover the drainage system.

Finally, they began assembling the steel mesh framework in preparation for the concrete pour, which will serve as the structural base of the vermifilter. Once the concrete has dried, the vermifilter pipes will be installed on top.

Step by step, we’re getting closer to a fully functional ecological wastewater solution! 

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra@eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar@fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign#ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction#EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #vermifilter

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQKYzsfiMGL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As of September 2025, students and professors from the different universtities have been on site building the pavillion. The Construction process is been documented in detailed in the Updates secion of AD and in Instagram. 
https://www.instagram.com/environmental_science_lab?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Educational infrastructure is key to unlocking potential in communities worldwide. It's not just about classrooms; it's about creating spaces that inspire learning, foster connection, and empower individuals. These three projects from the #GC2025 longlist redefine what educational spaces can be:

Environmental Science Labs @environmental_science_lab#Ecuador is a prototype for hands-on, sustainable learning. The pavilion on the PUCE Ibarra campus provides an experiential space for students and the community, emphasizing sustainable construction and revalorizing local building techniques. It fosters knowledge transfer and innovative competencies through collaborative academic exercises, promoting environmental awareness from the ground up. 

Olón Yaku Forest School @olon.yaku #Ecuador reimagines classrooms as spaces for environmental regeneration and social transformation. It offers quality, hands-on learning for children in need, with support from universities, local organizations, and the community. Through workshops in bioconstruction, permaculture, and water management, it becomes a living classroom that empowers future generations with sustainable practices and self-sufficiency skills.

Mopy'atã Ra'yraé Cultural Center grupofresta #Brazil is designed as a space for the transmission of traditional indigenous knowledge to new generations. It focuses on preserving the Tupi Litorânea language and promotes environmental education for ecosystem preservation. It's envisioned as a dynamic hub for youth creativity, cultural events, and a place of hope for future learning. 

Read more about these projects on our website (links in bio) and follow for more projects that redefine architecture as a catalyst for development, community resilience, and a brighter future.

#DoitTogether #Longlist#inspiration #EducationalInfrastructure #LearningSpaces#SustainableEducation #CommunityLearning#ArchitectureForEducation #CoDesign #EducationforAll#SustainableDesign #Handsonlearning #ResilientFuture#Architecture #CommunityDevelopment #ImpactDesign#Innovation #SocialInnovation #GreenBuilding

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLad0O9vnoI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Water Protection Fund (FONAG) is born in 2000 with the purpose to contribute to the conservation and restoration of water sources that supply the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ), including the fragile ecosystems of the páramos and Andean forests, with a technical, social equity and sustainability approach.

Universities in Ecuador, Chile, and Germany joined forces to design and build sustainable educational infrastructure in the Rumipamba Water Conservation Area in Quito.

This space will be used for FONAG environmental education activities and will be built with sustainable materials in complete harmony with the páramo.

Learn more on our website www.fonag.org.ec

On August 1, 2025, UTE University officially presented the design of the Environmental Education and Research Station - Environmental Education Lab FONAG.
The event convened undergraduate and graduate students, faculties, and representatives from national and international partner institutions, highlighting the institution's focus on sustainability and education. Located within the urban ecosystem oft the Rumipamba Valley in Quito, the #designbuild project aims to contribute to environmental education, scientific research, and #community work.
This initiative is the result of collaboration with universities in Germany, Chile and Ecuador, and strategic partners such as @fonaguio and @aguaquito.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM-zta0RPMy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The students who have been working in the past months have been teaching the new students on site the construction techniques, and the next steps.

This process shows how knowledge and building techniques can be shared between professors, students, and the entire team.

It’s remarkable how the construction of this building is shaping learning methods that go far beyond the classroom. 

It’s a whole chain of exchange, and we’re truly grateful to the professors and the students who were with us before. We’re also excited to welcome the new students who are joining and challenging themselves. 

Photos: on site Team UTE
Text: @alejandrapom

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Wood

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRFAshCBOJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

It keeps raining in the afternoons…

Despite that, we made great progress last week!
After completing the roof boarding and installing the Biom @biom.ecuador insulation, we added the waterproofing membrane, followed by the wooden substructure that creates the air layer beneath the metal roof panels. This layer helps protect the interior from excessive solar gain.

The orientation and layout of the transparent facades are designed so the interior of the building is heated by solar radiation during the morning. At the same time, the shape and structure of the roof prevent the interior from overheating during periods of high solar radiation.

To analyze the effect of solar radiation and optimize natural light conditions inside, we carried out natural light simulations and model experiments in the lighting laboratory, using both a daylight simulator and a solar path simulator.

In addition, we have continued working on the rainwater drainage system on site, leveling, managing the slope and adding the gravel to ensure proper water flow and avoid accumulation during heavy rains.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Wood

https://www.instagram.com/p/DO8uAkCiBqt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Time flies and there is still a lot going on! After completing the roof structure, and thanks to the hard work of our Wismar partners who detailed the technical plans and 3D models including each layer of the roof system, we quickly moved on to installing the boards and adding the ecological thermal-acoustic insulation. The students from Ecuador have been working tirelessly to finish the entire roof system.

At the same time, we are working on the rainwater drainage system, the canals previously excavated on site, leveling the terraces next to the building to prepare them for brick paving, and building the wooden structure for the solid walls of the building.

Meanwhile, our lighting design students from Germany have started developing proposals on how the artificial light will interact to enhance both the atmosphere and the energy performance of the building.

While the Ecuadorian team is on site, the teams in Chile and Germany have continued supporting the project by preparing plans, coordinating details, and making key decisions to address unexpected challenges.

Photos: on site Team UTE
Text: @alejandrapom

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Wo

The first half of September moved fast! We completed the roof structure as quickly as possible. The roof boarding and insulation have been installed (see next post!). It is important to proceed quickly, as the rainy season is approaching…

On site, we adapted details as needed, working closely with our colleagues in Germany and Chile.

We are now a skilled, and well-coordinated team. While the work is challenging, we enjoy it and take pride in our progress

Photos: on site Team UTE

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Wood

Since the Chilean team returned at the beginning of August and the German team 11 days ago, the UTE @ute_ingenieriacivil students and teaching staff have been working independently to complete the Environmental Education Lab for #FONAG

The term “knowledge transfer” is generally understood in the project as the integration of knowledge between different organizations and stakeholders. In a broader sense, as any form of scientific communication, the universities take up relevant questions from public life through such #DesignBuild projects: Queries from the real world are brought to science in order to then jointly develop a solution, or conversely, research results are transferred to reality.

In order to respond to global challenges with local solutions, the collaboration extends into an international interdisciplinary network over the development of the project. Our project links research, teaching and practice in the field of #sustainable building under the “Think-Design-Build” approach

The intensive joint work has provided all those involved on the #construction site with a common basis of knowledge.

Photos: @liliana.mbb @miint_nic
Image: @taller_ciudadypaisaje (@martii_zlh & @nicolee.nrn )
Text: @lorenavaldiviasteel

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #Wood #knowledgetransfer
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOTClTyiAnB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

More classmates and colleagues joined from Ibarra and Germany. At the beginning, everyone connected with the groups where they felt most comfortable, and little by little teamwork started to flow. 

Some students felt discouraged when the wood didn’t arrive as expected, but that didn’t stop the work. The professors weren’t just supervising; they worked side by side with the teams. 

With that, the focus shifted to landscape design and the vermifilter. Using local materials like rocks and wood, the main access stairs and a small welcoming amphitheater were built. At the same time, the pits for the vermifilter were prepared for the next layers and pipes. It was a heavy week with a lot of earthmoving! everyone exhausted, but solid progress made. 

The week closed at UTE Occidental with the official launch of the Environmental Awareness and Environmental Sciences Research Station. 

The event brought together students, professors, university leaders, and national and international partner institutions, reaffirming a shared commitment to sustainability and transformative education. 

Report by @alejandrapom
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #ecuador
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNqhqOCu98N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Timber construction for hundreds of millions of people should play a central role as a carbon sink and as part of global climate protection policy. But we are so late with climate protection that we can’t rely on wood alone.

Rapidly renewable raw materials from agricultural production must become important in this context! Cereals and grasses usually grow faster per hectare than forest trees. Building materials made from them often have better overall GHG balances.

That’s why our building gets ecological roof insulation

BIOM @biom.ecuador is an ecological thermal-acoustic insulator for construction made from Ecuadorian rice straw, which has proven to be a safe, efficient, cost-effective, and durable material

- Transforms an agricultural production residue into a new high value-added product. Rice straw is often burned in the field after harvest, generating large amounts of GHG emissions.
- Takes advantage of rice straw’s ability to sequester carbon quickly, which is stored in the material for its entire lifetime (> 50 years).
- Has a high density, which provides excellent acoustic and thermal performance, ideal for metal roofing.
- Is very easy and light to install, with no risk to the installer’s health.
- Offers high resistance to fire, insects, and pests, proven by tests carried out in European laboratories.
- Generates local employment. From the raw material to the manufacturing of the product, it contributes 100% to the Ecuadorian economy and creates jobs in Pichincha and Guayas.

The good news is: the world produces more than enough cereals and grasses to meet the demand of the global construction industry!
Text: @lorenavaldiviasteel
1: @biom.ecuador
2: @biom.ecuador
3: @lorenavaldiviasteel
4: Carcassi et al. Material diets for Climate-Neutral Buildings.
5: Göswein, V. et.al. (2022). Barriers and opportunities of fast-growing biobased material use in buildings. Buildings and Cities, 3(1), pp. 745–755. DOI: https:// doi.org/10.5334/bc.254

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNoCu1iuO-S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
 

During the first week at the Quito work site, our focus was on landscape architecture and adapting plans on the computer. Due to delays in the delivery of materials, we had to wait several days before we could begin work on the main structure.

In the meantime, the students from UTE, PUCE Ibarra, Universidad Católica de Chile and Hochschule Wismar worked in harmony clearing vegetation around the site, checking and inventorying the tools we had and the ones that were missing, verifying the building’s foundations and leveling, and setting the optimal location for the vermifilter.

Beyond the work itself, breaks and lunch times that the UTE provided became moments for exchanging experiences and cultural knowledge among participants from Ecuador, Chile, and Germany, enriching the learning process and fostering connections across borders.

This first week was about laying the groundwork for the exciting work ahead.
Report by @alejandrapom
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNQezk-Obgt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The timber structure was a well-considered decision: Wood is beautiful, natural, renewable, durable, reusable, flexible, and especially carbon neutral when harvested sustainably. Wood binds CO₂ in the long term (approx. 1 ton/m³) and has a carbon footprint 75 percent less than common building materials, like concrete or steel. Wood is easy to process and has good insulating properties. Construction with wood is fast and efficient, also for self-build.

However, research indicates that current wood resources are insufficient to sustainably satisfy global demand. To address climate change and avert species loss, a fundamental shift in forest management is required. Wood should be reserved for enduring applications, such as serving as an alternative to high-emission materials like concrete, rather than being consumed as an energy source.

But only wood from nearby is sustainable, as transporting timber can significantly increase the CO2 footprint of a construction project. In addition, our client FONAG, an environmental organization, prohibits the use of native timber due to concerns about illegal harvesting.

For these reasons, eucalyptus wood was selected. Although eucalyptus has been present in Quito for over 150 years, it has also impacted the ecological balance and serves as a natural source of fuel for fires. Eucalyptus in Ecuador poses a dilemma: while it affects the environment, it is deeply rooted in the culture and economy of the Andean region. Therefore, several Ecuadorian organizations suggest gradually restoring ecosystems by replacing eucalyptus and pine with native species.

To ensure these requirements were met, we traveled to the source of the wood for our project and negotiated delivery terms, balancing achievable timelines during our presence onsite with the desired quality standards. While this presented certain challenges, constructive dialogue made it possible to reach satisfactory agreements.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNO37ZsOcXo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

@ute_ingenieriacivil is leading the construction of the Environmental Awareness and Environmental Science Research Station.
This milestone is the result of collaboration with universities in Germany, Chile, and Ecuador, and strategic partners such as @fonaguio and @aguaquito.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DM8qnMbv970/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This week’s start of construction includes the inspection of the site conditions:

The clearing of vegetation surrounding the construction, the removal of the exterior impermeable layer resulting from the foundation works, and levels and axes are being verified…

The site has an altitude of 3,273 meters above sea level.
A paramedical team from UTE is permanently on site, taking care of our health.

And as a prize for our work, we took a tour of the Rumipamba Valley, wonderful!

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra@eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar@fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje
 
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdbYaDs8gY/?img_index=1

Students from the PUC Chile, PUCE-I Ibarra Ecuador on site

The teams from PUCE Ibarra and PUC Santiago de Chile are already in #Quito. Together with the locals from UTE we are almost complete. We were introduced to FONAG's educational approach, which fosters a strong connection to nature.
After many months of only seeing each other on screen during online meetings, we were finally able to meet in person. Highly motivated and full of respect, we look forward to the coming weeks of the construction phase. The HS Wismar team from Germany will arrive tomorrow. Construction can begin!

Finally! The official start of construction was celebrated with a ceremony today!
The teams from PUCE Ibarra and PUC Santiago de Chile are already in #Quito and have moved into their accommodations. Together with the locals from UTE we are almost complete. After receiving an introduction to the relevant safety regulations on the construction site and the hand over of a starter pack, we were introduced to FONAG's educational approach, which fosters a strong connection to nature.

After many months of only seeing each other on screen during online meetings, we were finally able to meet in person. Highly motivated and full of respect, we look forward to the coming weeks of the construction phase. The HS Wismar team from Germany will arrive tomorrow. Construction can begin!


#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador
 
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje


https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYWnIZMvuj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Today we are happy to introduce our new project partner Instituto Superior Tecnológico Central Técnico ISUCT!

The #ISUCT is a public higher education institution in #Quito #Ecuador. It focuses on producing competent and ethical professionals who contribute to society through excellent know-how. ISUCT promotes sustainable economic and social development through comprehensive training, as well as through the articulation of teaching, engagement, and research.

Currently, ISUCT offers university-level technological and technical careers in strategic areas such as Industrial Mechanics, Mechatronics, Electricity, Electronics, Automotive, Accountancy, Graphic Production, Administration, and Early Education. These programs are structured according to quality standards oriented toward professional practice, applied research, and integration into the work environment.

Students and instructors of the Industrial Mechanics program are already working on the collaborative manufacturing of the metal elements for our #DesignBuild project. We are looking forward to the teamwork!

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMIttMRsIN4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Exciting news!
#FONAG has already started clearing the site!
A big surprise required spontaneous changes to the design. A large rock emerged under the dense layer of vegetation, so the layout of the building had to be rotated and adjusted. What excitement! However, circumstances like this are part of the reality of #DesignBuild projects.
The UTE team is currently focusing intensely on the laying of the foundations.
Meanwhile, the teams from #Chile and #Germany are preparing for their soon arrival in Quito. They can hardly wait to finally start the joint #construction work.

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs
#HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil
@pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar
@hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc
@taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMHn6hosFRU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As part of the #FONAG #DesignBuild project, students from PUCE Ibarra built a full-scale 1:1 prototype using the traditional bahareque technique, an ancestral practice that promotes sustainable construction and hands-on learning. A technique that works completely without emission-intensive cement. 
The sustainability strategy of the project is to test and establish construction methods that are easy for both students and informal self-builders to use and replicate locally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLGIHnaoGkX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Understanding the real scale by 1:1 cross-section of the building!
The real scale of the structure for the #Fonag #DesingBuild project was graphically transferred to a facade at DIA Faculty (Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture) exhibition Hochschule Wismar.

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign#ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction#EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning#TraditionalTechniques #ArchitectureEducation
 
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra@eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar@fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

Small models (1:50) looking at the large model (1:1) in the back, at the DIA exhibition in Wismar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL0UX6rMSqf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Our #DesignBuild project at DIA @gestaltungwismar

????????This weekend, the annual exhibition of the Design Faculty “DIA” (Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture) took place at @hochschule_wismar

????We were proud to showcase our work with models, posters, and the 1:1 prototype — all built by the students!

Credits: @simon_bls.jpg (Simon Blieske)

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #TraditionalTechniques #ArchitectureEducation
 
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL0UX6rMSqf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The team aims not just to provide essential infrastructure to the community, but also to learn from und revalorizes their traditional climate-adapted building techniques.
 
The Lab is conceived as a prototype of a generic typology for future social projects in Ecuador, emphasizing flexible design parameters based on components to allow adaptation to different uses.
 
The Environmental Education Lab's sustainability strategy is to test and establish construction methods that are easy for both students and informal self-builders to use and replicate locally.
 
This, because a relevant proportion of buildings in the Global South are built informally by the users themselves and are not subject to institutional control and professional design. The project utilized sustainable traditional techniques commonly employed in self-building, which have been overlooked by Eurocentric perspectives.
 
Image: @taller_ciudadypaisaje @arq_uc
Text: @lorenavaldiviasteel

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #HandsOnLearning #TraditionalTechniques #ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador
 
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DL0HLbAoM9i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

After prefabricating the individual pieces the assembling process was the next test run. 
The collumns were marked, leveled, and aligned, the joints carefully assembled and the timber frame and ist connection checked outdoors on the campus grounds. 
Alongside the structure, also first prototypes for the furniture have been developed. An easy construction made out of leftover materials on site, will allow us to reduce waste and involve the community or potential users in the construction. 
An intense but enriching experience. We are ready for the challenges ahead and can’t wait to start building with our international partners in a week from now.

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs
#HandsOnLearning #wood
#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador #WoodStructure

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil
@pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar
@hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc
@taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLatCnuI2Qi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 At Hochschule Wismar, the students have been working step by step on the 1:1 prototype of the timber structure that will be built in #Quito #Ecuador

???? Organizing and marking the timber, to cutting, sanding, drilling, and assembling each joint with screws and fasteners. Each step brought more knowledge and understanding for the prefabrication process and the material behavior at full scale.

This hands-on process has given a much clearer understanding of the construction sequence, teamwork, communication skills, the tools and techniques necessary on site, and the real scale of the structure for the #Fonag#DesingBuild project. 

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs
#HandsOnLearning #wood
#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLYO0UJobX_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

In the first phase, students at the participating universities develop initial concepts and typologies in groups. This independent processing allows a quick start without concerns about time zones, official schedules, language, or cultural differences. The phase concludes with a joint presentation where strengths, weaknesses, and similarities in the different design approaches are discussed.

The identification of similar design ideas is crucial for the next phase, as designs are further developed in international and interdisciplinary mixed groups through "blended learning".
Through video conferences, students identify proposals based on similar concepts or typologies. These are merged into a joint design by the respective authors in international and interdisciplinary mixed groups. This phase challenges students to critically evaluate their designs and embrace their partners' design approaches, merging them and their own ideas into up to five joint designs.

The same working groups are then tasked with further developing other groups designs. This approach helps students identify with others work and simplifies the collective merging of conceptual or structural components into the final joint design.

Finally, in the end phase, newly mixed groups of specialists are formed who concentrate on specific tasks or elements, such as the development of clay walls or timber joints. This specialization allows for the development of specific professional skills, among other things through the guidance of students from the different disciplines.

#ArchitectureStudents #DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs
#HandsOnLearning #ArchitectureEducation

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil
@pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar
@hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc
@taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLRw4PqMyRZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This project was conceived from its origin under the teaching-learning methodology called “DesignBuild”. The term originally described the process of realizing a building, from design to the execution, from a single source. In the academic context of architectural education, the term has established itself as an alternative form of teaching and learning.

It combines a marked social commitment with professional learning, thereby bringing together teaching, research and practice in the complexity of a real project. The DesignBuild methodology extends the “Service Learning” model through the complexity and intensity of a real construction task in an international context.

Students are given the opportunity to experience a construction task from the preliminary research and co-design to implementation on site. They acquire, in
addition to architecture-specific qualifications, extra- and supra-disciplinary qualifications through intercultural and interdisciplinary work.

In addition to specialized skills, the concepts of identity and social responsibility should also be promoted. DesignBuild projects respond to the increasing demand in architectural education to expand conceptual ideas of academic design exercises into practice. Instead of a self-sufficient objectness, the development process plays the key role.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #architecturestudents #ThinkDesignBuild #engineeringwithimpact #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #SustainableBuilding #BuildingTogether #designabetterworld

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK4rRprIELs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As part of the #FONAG #DesignBuild project, students from PUCE Ibarra built a full-scale 1:1 prototype using the traditional bahareque technique, an ancestral practice that promotes sustainable construction and hands-on learning.
Every step of the process was carefully documented:

1. Soil selection – We identified a clay-rich soil suitable for the mix.
2. Fine sieving  – Stones and impurities were removed to ensure uniformity.
3. Cutting straw  – Plant fibers were prepared to reinforce the mix.
4 Earth-water mixing  – The right balance of moisture was achieved for ideal plasticity.
5. Treading the mix  – The blend was kneaded by foot to reach a consistent texture.
6. Applying to the wooden frame  – Each section of the frame was filled and compacted, consolidating the wall.

This hands-on exercise not only helps preserve sustainable vernacular techniques, but also strengthens the construction skills and collaborative spirit of our future architects. 

#PUCEIbarra #Bahareque #ArchitectureStudents
#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild
#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs
#HandsOnLearning #TraditionalTechniques
#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil
@pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar
@hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc
@taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLGIHnaoGkX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As part of the #FONAG #DesignBuild project, students from PUCE Ibarra built a full-scale 1:1 prototype using the traditional bahareque technique, an ancestral practice that promotes sustainable construction and hands-on learning.
Every step of the process was carefully documented:

1. Soil selection  – We identified a clay-rich soil suitable for the mix.
2. Fine sieving – Stones and impurities were removed to ensure uniformity.
3. Cutting straw  – Plant fibers were prepared to reinforce the mix.
4. Earth-water mixing  – The right balance of moisture was achieved for ideal plasticity.
5. Treading the mix  – The blend was kneaded by foot to reach a consistent texture.
6. Applying to the wooden frame  – Each section of the frame was filled and compacted, consolidating the wall.

This hands-on exercise not only helps preserve sustainable vernacular techniques, but also strengthens the construction skills and collaborative spirit of our future architects.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLGIHnaoGkX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

A s part of the #FONAG#DesignBuild project, students from PUCE Ibarra have developed a full-scale (1:1) prototype using the traditional bahareque construction technique following the preparatory work in the corresponding internationally mixed group .

This hands-on experience allowed students to explore sustainable building methods rooted in local knowledge, emphasizing the use of natural materials, environmental adaptation, and community-oriented design.

The exercise also served as a laboratory for testing structural behavior, material properties, and spatial solutions that will inform the final design proposal.

#PUCEIbarra #Bahareque #ArchitectureStudents#DesignBuild #CoDesign #ThinkDesignBuild#SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalScienceLabs#HandsOnLearning #TraditionalTechniques#ArchitectureEducation #Quito #Ecuador

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra@eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar@fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-c67kMLLX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

The students from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC) are currently in the pre-construction phase of our collaborative #DesignBuild process. 

At this stage, they’ve been working in international, interdisciplinary teams to finalize the architectural components of the pavilion and refine how it responds to the site conditions.

Each group has focused on a specific aspect of the pavilion: the floor plan and zocalo, roof and rainwater management, facades, landscaping, and drainage system. These areas explore traditional construction techniques, climate challenges, and the spatial integration with the surrounding landscape.

The contribution of each university has been essential in advancing the project to its final phase completing the constructive development needed to bring the pavilion to life.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#DesignBuild #CoDesign #architecturestudents #ThinkDesignBuild
#EnvironmentalScienceLab #SustainableBuilding #BuildingTogether

Civil Engineering students from Universidad UTE are actively participating in the #DesignBuild project with a clear goal: to collaboratively design and construct an educational space for FONAG’s new Environmental Education Lab, located in the Rumipamba ravine, on the western side of #Quito, #Ecuador, together with the other international cooperating universities.

In this hands-on project, students face real-world challenges — from the design table to the construction site — working in interdisciplinary, international teams under the guidance of professors from all partner universities, including UTE. Together, they develop architectural and structural proposals that are coherent, environmentally responsive, and promote sustainable learning.

These images capture key moments of the journey: on-site work, topographic surveys, collaborative design workshops online, and technical classroom sessions. Every phase strengthens their professional, ethical, and human skills while contributing to the preservation of one of the last remaining relicts of Andean forest in the city.

This is a powerful example of collaborative learning — how civil engineering can and should be connected locally, nationally, and internationally with communities, environmental education, and a deep commitment to territory.

#EngineeringWithImpact #DesignBuildUTE #EnvironmentalEducation #FONAG #RumipambaRavine #UTECivilEngineering #LearningByDoing #BuildingToTransform

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra
@gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @janblieske @gestaltungwismar @fgvanrijs 
@tu_berlin @taller_ciudadypaisaje 
@eada_pucesi

We’re proud to announce that our DesignBuild project, “Environmental Science Labs – Ecuador,” has been selected as one of the 15 longlisted (from 120) initiatives for the Global Challenge 2025 by Architecture in Development @architectureindevelopment ????️✨

Being longlisted means that our project has been recognized—out of proposals from around the world—for its strong community impact, relevance to local needs, and potential to grow into a fully realized, sustainable architectural solution. It also means we are now part of a global platform that supports projects tackling urgent social and environmental challenges through architecture.

This recognition is a powerful step forward. It brings international visibility, opens up opportunities for funding and partnerships, and most importantly, validates our collaborative, community-based design process.

We are honored to be part of this inspiring group of changemakers working towards more inclusive, sustainable futures ????????

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far—from students and faculty in #Ecuador, #Chile, and #Germany, to our local partners and supporters, as well as to the building owner FONAG. 
Let’s keep building together. ????

#GlobalChallenge2025 #ArchitectureInDevelopment #EnvironmentalScienceLabs #CommunityArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignBuild #ThinkDesignBuild

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra
@gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @janblieske @gestaltungwismar @fgvanrijs
@tu_berlin @taller_ciudadypaisaje

From Hochschule Wismar, these images offer a glimpse into the creative process carried out in collaboration with our partner universities. While the project was developed jointly, the focus here in Wismar has been on exploring how to maximize natural light and solar gain within the architectural design.

These physical models reflect the dedication and teamwork of all international students and professors involved in the #designbuild project.

What you see here is the result of an intense design phase — a hands-on exploration of light, volumes, spatial strategies, and architectural forms that shape a future project soon to become a built reality.

This collaborative effort is a testament to the power of international academic exchange and the shared pursuit of #sustainable and context-driven design.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZQpLJIbgQ/

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra
@gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @janblieske @gestaltungwismar @fgvanrijs
@tu_berlin @taller_ciudadypaisaje
#designbuild #sustainabledesign #architecturestudents

Over the past few weeks, architecture students from PUCE Ibarra have been actively developing and presenting their design proposals as part of the #internationalcollaboration
⠀
This video captures key moments of their creative process — from conceptual ideas to the architectural design and physical model of a future building rooted in the local context.
⠀
These presentations were shared online in real time, continuing the ongoing communication and exchange with the network of international partner universities.
⠀
While the process has been challenging, it has also been deeply enriching in terms of learning, exchange, and the development of new perspectives.
⠀
In collaboration with partner universities, these exchanges represent a shared commitment to co-creating knowledge and sustainable design across borders.

@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra
@gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar
@tu_berlin @taller_ciudadypaisaje

On Friday, April 24th, students from partner universities in Ecuador, Germany, and Chile celebrated a key milestone in the FONAG DesignBuild project—the first round of joint presentations by newly formed multicultural design teams.

After developing individual concepts within their universities, students merged into five international groups, combining shared design ideas and launching a new, collaborative phase of the project. Each team presented their design variants to a panel of professors and representatives from FONAG, highlighting a rich tapestry of perspectives, site interpretations, and architectural strategies.

Working across continents and cultures has been both a challenge and a transformative learning experience—encouraging students to navigate language differences, embrace diverse ways of thinking, and grow as global collaborators.

With creativity, openness, and mutual respect, this diverse group of emerging architects is proving that collaboration is the foundation of innovation—and this is only the beginning of their shared journey.

Partners:
 @fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#DesignBuild #SustainableDesign #ArchitectureStudents #GlobalLearning #InternationalCollaboration #FONAG #CrossCulturalDesign #HandsOnArchitecture #TeamworkInDesign

On Friday, April 12th, students from Hochschule Wismar presented the outcomes of their intensive workshop week, “FONAG Shell & Climate Design,” in a collaborative session with fellow students and faculty from partner universities in Ecuador, Chile, and Germany.

Led by Professors Jan Blieske and Daniel Hülseweg, the workshop focused on analyzing local daylight conditions at the future building site in the Rumipamba ravine. Students explored how natural light and solar gain could inform the form, orientation, and material strategies of their designs—paving the way for energy-conscious and climate-adapted architecture.

During the same event, architecture students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador – Ibarra campus also shared their preliminary design proposals, offering fresh perspectives shaped by regional insights and hands-on fieldwork.

On April 7th, architecture students from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador – Ibarra campus (PUCE-I) advanced to the next stage of their work on the FONAG international #DesignBuild project, turning site impressions into spatial ideas.

Working with sketches and study models, the students began developing early volumetric concepts—translating their observations of the Rumipamba ravine's unique topography into architectural form.

Their creative process is grounded in a deep reading of the landscape: understanding the slope, light, vegetation, and materials as active design elements. Through material experimentation and hands-on exploration, the students are beginning to articulate a design language that responds authentically to its environment.

As their proposals take shape, the PUCE-I team is showing how contextual sensitivity and creative exploration go hand in hand in sustainable, site-driven architecture.

Partners:
 @fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @oe_eada_pucesi @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje

#PUCEIbarra #ArchitectureEducation #DesignInProgress #SiteAnalysis #VolumetricStudies #HandsOnArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignBuildEcuador #Rumipamba

On March 31st, twelve architecture students from the School of Architecture, Engineering, Design and Arts at PUCE-Ibarra officially launched their participation in the FONAG international #DesignBuild project with an intensive day of fieldwork at the future site in Rumipamba, Quito.

Guided by Professor Guillermo Guzmán, students immersed themselves in the site’s natural landscape—mapping terrain, observing environmental patterns, and closely analyzing the unique ecological and cultural context that will inform their architectural strategies.

This on-site investigation marks a crucial step in the design process, helping students shape proposals that are not only structurally and environmentally responsive, but also deeply rooted in the local community and ecosystem.

By connecting directly with the land they will design for, the PUCE-I team is laying the foundation for a pavilion that will both educate and inspire future generations about the importance of water conservation and sustainability.

Stay tuned as these young architects from Ecuador contribute their local knowledge and creativity to this global, hands-on collaboration.

Partners:
 @pucesedeibarra @eada_pucesi @oe_eada_pucesi
 @fonaguio @ute_oficial @hochschule_wismar @gestaltungwismar @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje @fgvanrijs

#FONAG #DesignBuild #SustainableArchitecture #ArchitectureStudents #FieldworkInAction #LocalKnowledge #EnvironmentalDesign #PUCEI #Quito #WaterIsLife

On April 1st, a milestone moment unfolded in the #DesignBuild journey of the FONAG Environmental Science Lab:
 Students from the Universidad Católica de Chile held their first official presentation of research and early design proposals for the pavilion in Quito, Ecuador.

The session took place during a special visit from architect Prof. Jacob van Rijs (MVRDV) to the UC School of Architecture—bringing expert insight to an already dynamic discussion. 

Each student group shared their strongest conceptual approaches, grounded in site-specific climate conditions, the form and function of the pavilion, and its potential to create a welcoming, engaging space for children’s environmental education.

The 10 participating architecture students from Chile are part of the UC Research Workshop “Water Pavilion in Quito”, led by professors Sandra Iturriaga and Javiera Amaro—an initiative that merges research, creativity, and impact through international cooperation.

As the global student teams continue to exchange ideas, this collaborative design process is shaping up to be a unique, transcontinental effort to rethink how we build for education and sustainability—from concept to construction.

Partners:
 @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje @fonaguio @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin
 @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar

#FONAG #DesignBuild #SustainableArchitecture #WaterPavilion #ArchitectureStudents #InternationalWorkshop #ChilexEcuador #GlobalDesign #HandsOnLearning

On March 19th, architecture students from Hochschule Wismar (Germany) took a major step forward in the FONAG Environmental Science Lab project, presenting their first round of site research for the future educational pavilion in Quito, Ecuador.

Their presentations explored crucial topics including local climate conditions, traditional construction techniques, and the role of key community partners—laying a thoughtful and informed foundation for design ideas rooted in sustainability and context.

Following this milestone, a second round of pin-up critiques and brainstorming sessions took place. Under the guidance of Professors Jan Blieske and Philipp Hülseweg, students began shaping the next phase of the project—developing innovative architectural proposals that respond to both ecological challenges and cultural narratives.

This process marks an exciting moment in a broader collaboration that brings together universities from Ecuador, Germany, and Chile—united in designing a space that promotes environmental awareness, water conservation, and hands-on learning.

Stay tuned as this cross-cultural team transforms research into reality—one sketch, model, and workshop at a time.

Partners:
@fonaguio @ute_oficial @ute_ingenieriacivil @pucesedeibarra @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @fgvanrijs @tu_berlin @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje @janblieske

#DesignBuild #SustainableArchitecture #FONAG #ResearchInAction #ArchitectureStudents #GlobalDesign #HandsOnLearning

We’re thrilled to kick off our next #DesignBuild journey: the Environmental Science Lab FONAG, nestled in the breathtaking Rumipamba ravine, a protected natural reserve right in the heart of #Quito, #Ecuador.

????This hands-on design-and-build project centers on a powerful mission: to create a sustainable educational pavilion that inspires action to protect our vital water sources. Set to host environmental workshops and community learning, the space will become a living classroom surrounded by nature.

????‍???? In summer 2025, students from 4 universities across Ecuador, Germany, and Chile will come together—bringing their diverse disciplines and ideas into one collaborative, on-site experience that bridges continents and cultures. ????????????????????????

Together, we’re building more than just a structure—we’re shaping awareness, resilience, and international cooperation in the face of environmental challenges.

Follow the process, support the mission, and stay tuned as we design with purpose, and build with impact.

Partners:
@fonaguio @gestaltungwismar @hochschule_wismar @ute_oficial @pucesedeibarra @arq_uc @taller_ciudadypaisaje @fgvanrijs
#DesignBuild #SustainableArchitecture #EnvironmentalEducation #Rumipamba #WaterIsLife #StudentLedDesign #GlobalCollaboration