Photobook on Ecuadorian architecture to be published by Park Books in 2026
Francesco Russo and Luca Piffaretti have captured more than 20 modern architectural endeavors in Ecuador for their forthcoming photobook titled 'Ecuador: A Journey through Architecture, Culture and Land'. Scheduled for release by Park Books in autumn 2026, it can be pre-ordered on Kickstarter. Their exploration spanned Ecuador’s four distinct regions—the Pacific coast, Andes, Amazon, and Galápagos—across two trips in 2023 and 2024, covering upwards of 7,000 km and resulting in over 2,000 photographs. From a pool of over 120 projects, they highlighted around 40, emphasizing innovative designs that utilize local materials. Among the notable works are Casa Toquilla (2021), Casa Perucho (2023), and Biblioteca Comunitaria Yuyarina Pacha. The endeavor encountered obstacles like political unrest and drought, showcasing the tenacity of Ecuadorian architects.
Key facts
- Photobook 'Ecuador: A Journey through Architecture, Culture and Land' to be published by Park Books in autumn 2026.
- Pre-order available via Kickstarter.
- Photographers Francesco Russo and Luca Piffaretti documented over 20 contemporary projects.
- Two trips in 2023 and 2024, driving over 7,000 km and capturing more than 2,000 images.
- Selected around 40 projects from an initial list of over 120.
- Highest project documented at around 5,000 m on Chimborazo volcano.
- Russo and Piffaretti co-founded Mass Collective in London.
- Ecuador faced political instability, crime, and a severe drought in 2024 causing electricity shortages.
- Architects often rely on private investment due to lack of public funding.
- Book covers four geographical regions: Pacific coast, Andes, Amazon, Galápagos.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Russo
- Luca Piffaretti
- RAMA Estudio
- Pedro Calle
- El Sindicato Arquitectura
- Diana Salvador
- Al Borde
- Natura Futura
- Juan Carlos Bamba
- Duran & Hermida
- Daniel Moreno Flores
- Sebastián Calero Larrea
- MCM+A
- Studio BLUR
- Javier Mera
- Luna
- Jorge Javier Andrade Benítez
- Ellie Stathaki
Institutions
- Park Books
- Kickstarter
- Mass Collective
- Wallpaper*
- Quito Architecture Biennial (BAQ)
Locations
- Ecuador
- Portete Island
- Perucho
- Santa Cruz Island
- Galápagos Islands
- Huaticocha
- Babahoyo
- Cuenca
- Tumbaco
- Quito
- Chimborazo volcano
- Quilotoa
- London
- United Kingdom
- Ticino
- Switzerland
- Andes
- Amazon
- Pacific coast