The selection of a design for Ecuador’s new National Museum of Ecuador (MuNA) has ignited a fierce debate, leading to the resignations of two high-ranking officials. The chosen design, titled “Ecos del Sol” (Echoes of the Sun), was a collaboration between Madrid-based Studio Campo Baeza and Ecuadorian architecture office MAODA. The design was selected from 148 applicants representing over twenty countries, aiming to house the museum’s 1.4 million heritage artifacts in Quito’s historic La Carolina Park.
The public response to the design has been overwhelmingly negative, with critics comparing the concrete structure to a cardboard box, a bleak Salvador Dalí landscape, and even a character from the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. The design’s minimalist aesthetic has been criticized for lacking connection to Ecuador’s national identity and cultural heritage.
The Public Backlash and Official Resignations
The public’s discontent with the design was swift and intense. Romina Muñoz, Ecuador’s vice minister of culture and heritage, attempted to defend the winning design, stating, “This goes beyond aesthetic preferences.” However, her comments only fueled the backlash, leading to her resignation on July 9. Shortly after, Carlos Eduardo Montalvo Puente, the executive director of MuNA, also stepped down from his role.
The controversy has also reached the highest levels of government. President Daniel Noboa, who was initially an ardent supporter of the project, has reportedly distanced himself from it. The public’s preference seemed to lean towards the second- and third-place designs, submitted by MCM+A and SANNA, Caá Porá Arquitectura, Estudio A0, Jerome Haferd Studio, and Taller Capital Landscape.
The Petition for Reconsideration
A petition demanding the Ecuadorian government choose a different design for the $100 million project has garnered over 20,000 signatures. The petitioners express concerns about the lack of technical and financial transparency in the competition process. They argue that the design should better reflect Ecuador’s diverse cultural heritage and national identity.
The petition emphasizes the importance of the museum’s connection to its surrounding park and the need for more attention to landscaping. It also highlights the significance of the museum as a landmark of community ownership, rather than a monument to concrete. The petitioners urge the authorities to reconsider the winning proposal and ensure that the final design aligns with the country’s cultural values and heritage.
The Broader Implications
The debate over the MuNA design extends beyond aesthetics, touching on issues of architecture, heritage, memory, and institutional management. The controversy has raised questions about the role of cultural institutions in preserving and celebrating national identity. It has also highlighted the importance of public engagement and transparency in the design and construction of such significant projects.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of public opinion and the need for cultural institutions to reflect the values and aspirations of the communities they serve. The outcome of this debate will have lasting implications for the future of Ecuador’s cultural landscape and the role of architecture in shaping national identity.
