Architect: Diego Guayasamin, arq.
Location: Quito - Ecuador
Construction: TORADEINC S.A.
Structural Design: Ing. Luis Roggiero
Construction Area: 18.000 m2
Year: 2010
Pictures: Sebastián Crespo
To the north east of the capital city of Ecuador, Quito, the project is located in an area of 4000m2, within an area of high real estate development where this architectural icon is placed.
The project proposes conceptually, the idea of Strength, Safety and Innovation, generating a proposal constituted by the articulation of two main volumes (one that faces directly to the Pichincha volcano) consolidating a public square as a contribution to the embellishment and decoration of the city.
The extension of these volumes towards its ends sensorially generates a welcoming hug to the users and visitors because of its spatial configuration.
The bodies are developed by contrasting a double skin, first, a light skin made of glass sits on a solid rock and blind walls that rest over water elements. The large glazed surface becomes an urban backdrop to reflect the city and the Andean profile and the pichincha volcano as the protagonist. The reflecting pools in the external spaces generate reflection of the solid skin accentuating the volume.
It should be noted that the 18,000 m2 building is implanted in only 30% of the land area, and in relation to its maximum height were used five of the eight buildable floors in the sector; thus respecting the insertion and impact of this project on the urban environment.
Within the architectural program developed in five upper floors and three basements, consisting of offices and complementary spaces (coffee shop and a classroom training) in the first three floors, gym, library and VIP room on thef ourth floor and in the fifth floor spaces for the directory.
The interior design for the first four floors manages a coherent language with the exterior design and scale, through transitional spaces in triple height as a prelude. The interiors propose translucent and fluid areas, thanks to its configuration and use of materials.
The use of glass and metal ,also applies to the furniture complemented by warm textures, reflecting pools and controlled views. The lighting design by defined axes, who are born from the same architecture, deepen and projecting the shape of the plan and these are attached to the outside generating a different day and night look. .
Colonial Insurance raises an architectural whose clean lines and simplicity corporate type is defined with strong urban identity and responsibility.
View Original