BIG Reveals First Completed Project in South America

The IQON building, designed by BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group, has officially become the tallest building in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. After four years of construction, the 130-meter-tall building features a variety of amenities including 215 residential units, commercial spaces, and office spaces. This new addition to Quito's skyline is a result of the city's decision to relocate its airport over a decade ago, allowing for more upward growth in the city's architecture. Additionally, BIG and Uribe Schwarzkopf's EPIQ Residences, located nearby, is set to be completed in 2023, further transforming Quito's traditionally dense low-rise building landscape.

“IQON (by BIG) and QORNER (by Safdie Architects) represent the ongoing transformation of Quito into a cornerstone of architecture, design and innovation. Not only do the new buildings contribute to the skyline of the city, but celebrate our partnerships with the most exciting, internationally renowned architects in the world. As the first residents move in and businesses begin to take space in the building, we are looking forward to seeing each building come to life and become part of the fabric of the city,” says Tommy Schwarzkopf, Co-Founder, of Uribe Schwarzkopf.

 

IQON is created to be a community that stands tall and extends from the neighbouring La Carolina Park, reaching up to the exterior of the building. The structure boasts a distinctive curved corner that is surrounded by terraces that encircle the building's perimeter. From these terraces, residents can enjoy views of the park, the city, and the Pichincha volcano.

 

The design of IQON is characterized by its minimalistic exterior, featuring raw, exposed concrete that serves as both the structure and aesthetic of the building. The building is composed of individual "pixels" stacked 32 floors high, strategically angled to offer optimal views and terraces for the apartments. The building also incorporates greenery throughout, in celebration of Ecuador's diverse plant life and temperate climate - as the country boasts the highest number of plant species per square meter in the world.  

“We’ve tried to take all the iconic qualities of Quito – such as the enjoyment of living in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, in a city on the equator where the seasons are perfect for both human and plant life – and bring that experience into the vertical dimension. IQON is an entire vertical community of individual homes; an extension of La Carolina Park that now climbs all the way up to the rooftop," says Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group.

 

The plaza on the first level features ample open spaces for the public, as well as shops and artistic displays. It serves as a new route connecting the park to the surrounding community, and upon entering the lobby, visitors will notice a shift in design elements. The exterior is minimalistic, while the interior boasts marble flooring and elegant custom woodwork at the reception desk. Concrete accents are also present as a nod to the building's exterior. The use of deep green tones is carried throughout the lobby in the ceiling tiles, mailboxes, and the elevator area, which is accessed through a blackened steel portal.

 

Quito's love for nature is evident in the way it seamlessly integrates biophilia into both public and private spaces. Sculptural planters are integrated into the architecture of buildings, creating unique concrete sculptures inside apartments while also serving as the root zone for trees on the terrace above. These planters not only add to the building's aesthetic but also contribute to Quito's rich biodiversity.

Furthermore, the building serves as an urban tree farm. Once the vegetation planted on the terraces outgrows its planter, it can be replanted in parks throughout the city, completing a green cycle that goes from park to building and back to park again. This not only enhances the city's greenery but also encourages a sustainable approach to urban development.

 

“Each apartment floor features through-units – apartments that have terraces on both the north and south facades – which not only allows for views across the entire city but also offers the opportunity for cross ventilation and a sense of openness,” says Thomas Christoffersen, Partner, BIG.

 

Residents of IQON can enjoy a relaxing and scenic experience with an integrated lap pool and terraces located at the top of the building, offering breathtaking views of the city. The building also offers a variety of amenities for residents to enjoy, including a gym and squash court, a spa, a bowling alley, entertainment rooms, and a business centre. IQON is a pioneer in Quito, as it is the first mixed-use building to receive a preliminary EDGE certification from GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) and IFC (International Finance Corporation).