Articles by Paula Pintos

Marie Combette and Daniel Moreno Flores founded La Cabina de la Curiosidad in 2019, a studio focused on architecture and territory based in Quito, Ecuador. Their architectural approach is based on extensive fieldwork, with an urban and territorial perspective that prioritizes the use of available resources, water management, and recycling. They use drawing and mapping as essential tools to materialize their ideas and transform them into spaces. The name of the studio evokes a “trunk” turned into a cabin full of curiosities that invite exploration of various possibilities. This trunk is nourished by everyday experiences, derived from simple interactions with the city or the environment, which triggers a creative process continually fed by experimentation and daily discovery, unafraid of the unknown.

One of the biggest current challenges in large cities is the housing crisis and the lack of efficient solutions to mitigate its effects on citizens. This problem is exacerbated in cities where tourism and vacation or temporary housing dominate the market, distancing residents from the possibility of accessing affordable urban housing. Furthermore, gentrification, driven by rising rents and real estate speculation, contributes to the displacement of local communities, transforming traditional neighborhoods into areas exclusively oriented toward tourist consumption.

The proposal originates from the commission for a more extensive series within the Puertos Escobar reserve, a vast anthropic-natural territory along the Correntino Stream. It is envisioned as an architectural intervention that deeply engages with this environment. The project consists of two structures positioned along the main road of the reserve. Each explores a specific spatial and relational condition concerning our interaction with the ecosystem.

Spain, with its vast territory and notable diversity of landscapes, has been a reference point in the development of external infrastructures, both in urban and rural areas. Tourism has played a key role in this process, focusing on creating spaces that maximize the enjoyment of the natural environment and integrating local landscapes into urbanized areas. The construction of these infrastructures has had two main aspects: the adaptation of cities for both their residents and tourists and the development of rural or coastal areas, where nature is the main attraction. This has led to interventions ranging from creating waterfront promenades, viewpoints, and natural parks, to urbanization projects in previously untouched areas. Furthermore, urban growth has driven the creation of green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, ecological trails, and reserves that aim to protect the environment while being sustainably open to the public.

Situated on the slope of a golf course, “Casa Olivos” is conceived as a retreat where the uninterrupted green of the grass and trees intertwines with the architecture through a central courtyard, which stands as the heart of the house, weaving together the ground floor, first floor, and terrace through a mound covered with native vegetation, creating a continuous garden terrace.

Sports infrastructure has become an important aspect of contemporary life, addressing the growing need for physical activity and leisure spaces to offset the stresses of urban living. In this context, architecture, particularly in the realm of sports facilities, plays a pivotal role in shaping these environments. Sports architecture, in particular, has evolved into a highly specialized discipline that not only addresses the functional and technical aspects—such as structural integrity, safety standards, and the specific requirements of different sports—but also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design. A well-designed sports facility not only enhances the user experience but also integrates seamlessly into its urban or natural surroundings, contributing to the overall aesthetic and social value of the space. By blending functionality with innovation and creativity, sports architecture has the potential to positively impact both individual well-being and community cohesion.