How can a building be in pixels? Well, great architects have great philosophies they implement into their buildings. Like auteur, their buildings are distinct and individual entities that represent their brand and style. One such architect is the Danish architecture sensation, Bjarke Ingels. Ingels was born in Copenhagen in 1974. He became an architect when he was 25 and then founded his own company Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG).
Ingels says that his philosophy is “hedonistic sustainability” meaning that a life of quality and pleasure with environmental responsibility is possible. A recent example of Ingels’ philosophy coming into life is the IQON building in Quinto, the capital of Ecuador.
It is 133 meters high, has 32 stories, and has 215 residential units
IQON is the first building in South America by BIG. It is the highest building in Quito, a city famous for its high-rise buildings. IQON was completed in late 2022 and opened to residents in 2023. Aside from the residential floors, 3 stories belong to commercial and entertainment establishments.
IQON is a “vertical community” and an extension of La Carolina Park. It represents the boom of contemporary architecture in Quinto.
The building draws attention to its abnormal structure as IQON is a building in pixels that are stacked on top of each other.
Each block makes up a balcony with exotic plants endemic to the climate of Ecuador. The plants help the building become a part of the urban green of Quinto.
The building’s pixelated and stripped-back facade is one of the unique touches similar to other BIG buildings all over the world.
IQON, the building in pixels, represents all the qualities of Quinto but mostly the enjoyable experience of living in Ecuador where human life and plant life mix together in its habitat of beautiful seasons and climate.
