INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

GALAPAGOS - 0 LATITUDE:
SUSTAINABLE URBANISM AND ARCHITECTURE
1. Invitation
The XV Quito Pan–American Architecture Biennale invites you to participate in the International Competition
Galapagos – 0 Latitude: Sustainable Urbanism and Architecture. Its purpose is to lend visibility to human settle-
ment issues on the Galapagos Islands and provide a place to reflect on alternatives for future sustainable towns.

2. Introduction
Ecuador gets its name from the zero–latitude line at the equator.
Zero is the origin, the starting point, the initial reference.
It is also equilibrium, the central position, the balance indicator.
Our intention is:
= To start out with the reality of the Galapagos (both environmental and social) as the point of refer-
ence; with no assumptions, no preconceived ideas, no intermediaries.
= To tune in to this reflection at its point of origin: what the relation should be between nature and hu-
man settlements; how to enhance the quality of both at the same time, in one achievable ideal.
= To recover the position of equilibrium, the premise of sustainability, to ensure that this achievable ideal
is maintained over time.

3. Galapagos Issues
The reality of the Galapagos, a natural heritage of humanity (UNESCO – 1978), reveals serious contradictions
between the need to conserve the archipelago’s unique species, the requirements of a growing population, and
intensive use for domestic and foreign tourism.
These contradictions are seen in the enormous concern over natural resources in terms of both investments
and studies, and the lesser attention paid to the inhabitants’ problems and the spontaneous, unorganized growth
of their towns.
The symbolic nature of the Galapagos Islands, and the peculiar conditions that need to be met by the human set-
tlements nestled within a territory that is dominated by protected natural areas (the National Park and Marine
Reserve), oblige us to seek suitable answers to the universal question of how to organize the relations between
towns and their natural surroundings. Starting at Galapagos, we seek to drive the evolution of future towns.

4. Sustainable Towns
In the language of the Amazonian Huaorani community, “garbage” is non–existent as a word and as a concept. It
has no meaning or place in a world where everything is recycled and reabsorbed.
We understand sustainable urbanism and architecture as meeting the material and spiritual needs of human be-
ings while establishing a harmonious relationship with the natural environment and its life processes.

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5. The Contest
We will work on the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos province, on the San
Cristobal Island. What we seek is not to legitimize what is there, but rather to reformulate it, to work towards
transforming, substituting and containing the town with a view to enhancing its current conditions.

::: 5.1 Contest Components:

:::: 5.1.1 Proposal for sustainable urban intervention (built and natural surroundings), to transform
existing conditions into an “achievable utopia”.
:::: 5.1.2 A habitable prototype that is sensitive to its fragile natural context, with appropriate con-
struction technologies and systems.
Contestants may choose to participate in one or both components, with separate entries. Both
components have professional and student categories. We recommend forming multi–disciplinary
teams (architects, ecologists, engineers, urbanists, biologists, sociologists, etc.) to ensure that proposals
contemplate the broadest possible array of viewpoints.

::: 5.2 Competition Contents:

Proposals should have an integrated view of the entire town. However, for the purposes of this con-
test, they will cover a small area that represents the proposal concept.The purpose is to demonstrate,
in a fragment of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the change process for – or expected final result from
– transforming the entire existing town. Proposals will have the freedom of action of an ideas compe-
tition, and reflections will be based on the current status of the population and natural environment
(see appendices).
Contestants are free to choose the area of intervention, in terms of both size and location, depending
on the types of proposals presented. We suggest that the area of intervention link the town limits to
the ocean and the national park (representative “strip”), in order to establish boundary and contain-
ment responses connecting town and nature. Proposals may cover everything from localized “urban
acupuncture” interventions to full revamping of the area to be intervened.
The habitable prototype may be part of the urban proposal or compete separately.The development
of habitable spaces seeks to provide suitable housing alternatives for the present population, as well
as incorporate alternate programs, such as commercial venues, workshops and tourism services. Take
into account the different levels of protection enforced on materials found on the island, develop a
technology that is compatible with the technical know–how of the Galapagos population, and empha-
size their capacity to minimally impact the energy resources used in manufacture, construction and
maintenance, as well as the possibility for recycling at the end of their useful life.
Proposals contents should include the following:
= Linkages: The proposed area should start with the existing conditions and gradually
phase in their transformation. Formulate the type of linkage proposed and define net-
works or overall systems, such as transportation, infrastructure, communication, etc.
= Nature: Specify the relations between the proposed area / habitable prototype and the
natural environment (topography, climate, fauna, flora, ocean, etc.).

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 = Energy: Use clean energy for urban and architectural purposes, contemplate energy sav-
ings, utilize non–polluting renewable resources, or achieve energy autonomy vis-à-vis the
continent.
= Waste: Treatment, recycling and reduction of wastes generated by the town and by
tourism.
= Life cycle: Estimate the useful life for construction materials and systems. Participants
are free to explore options such as the possibility to disassemble, transport, recycle, reuse,
biodegrade, or reverse the town or its architecture.
= Production: Proposals should ensure economic sustainability and promote potential
clean production activities (services, tourism, leisure, trade, small–scale fishing, agriculture,
etc.).
= Society: We suggest that proposals consider the people’s needs, involve them in the
sustainable town project, ensure the gradual enhancement of their quality of life, reflect
on the roles of visitors, residents and their private life spaces, and include the creation and
equipping of public spaces.
The contest organizers are interested in this becoming an educational tool for transformation that
will fully involve the island population in all reflections, assessments and implementations of proposals
that may occur on the medium and long term. For this purpose, contestants will be in direct contact
with the people and institutions of the Islands via e–mail (see list of contacts). They will also have ac-
cess to bibliography and graphic material, classified by subjects, on the contest Web page.

6. Participant Categories
= Professionals
4Urban and Landscape Design
4Architectural Design
= Students
4Urban and Landscape Design
4Architectural Design

7. Requirements to Participate
Architects, urban and landscape designers; as well as students of architecture, landscape and urban design, are
welcome to participate in Galapagos – 0 Latitude: Sustainable Urbanism and Architecture.

8. Documents to be presented (for each work entered)

Enclosed with a copy of the Entry Form, please send 2 Panels on DIN-A1 format (84.1 cm x 59.4 cm) in both
hard copy and digital support forms (CD-Rom with 2 files, containing 1 panel each in .pdf format, size DIN-A1,
and resolution of 300 dpi).
Contestants may choose to send in only the digital support, for the panels to be printed in Quito. The cost of
printing 2 panels in DIN-A1 format (84.1 cm x 59.4 cm) is US$ 40.00.This amount is automatically added to the
total on the Entry Form when you choose this option. Include in your panels all graphic and written information

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 necessary to provide a full understanding of the project.
Note: You may use the model panel (.il format) available
on the Biennale Web page (www.baq2006.com)

9. How to send in works

Contestants shall submit their works to:
International Competition
BAQ/ 2006 Commission
Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador –
Provincia de Pichincha
Núñez de Vela N 35-204 e Ignacio San María
Quito, Ecuador
The deadline for receiving entries is Wednesday, No-
vember 1, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. We recommend that
contestants from other cities of Ecuador and other
countries take into account shipping times. No works
arriving at the BAQ/2006 offices after the stipulated
time and date shall participate in the International
Competition, and the CAE–Pichincha shall reimburse
no entry costs.
The BAQ/ 2006 Commission shall send an e-mail to the
stated author confirming receipt of the documents en-
tered. If this message is not received, contestants should
promptly contact us at bienal@cae.org.ec
Printed panels should be sent in without supports,
but rather rolled up, as the Biennale Commission re-
serves the right to mount them and will be in charge of
selecting the supports for exhibition.
All materials required per project should arrive in
one single package.

IMPORTANT: In order to avoid mailed entries being held up in Customs, contestants should follow these instructions:
1. Place the following note in a visible place on the package or outside envelope: “MUESTRA SIN
FINES COMERCIALES”.
2. Make sure the weight of each package sent does not exceed 2 Kg. Contestants submitting more
than one project should take close note of weight restrictions. In some cases, they will be obliged to
send more than one package.
3. Pay all shipping duties or taxes at the place of origin.
BAQ/ 2006 shall not be responsible for customs procedures nor for customs clearance costs, freight and/or
taxes not covered by contestants, so we strongly suggest you take into account the above recommendations.

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10. Awards
::: 10.1 Professional Category
= First Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design
4Architectural Design
(Habitable prototype)
= Second Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design
4Architectural Design
(Habitable prototype)
= Third Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design
4Architectural Design
(Habitable
Habitable prototype
prototype)
= Honorable Mentions at the Jury’s Discretion
US$ 5,000.00
A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
one member of the winning team
US$ 5,000.00
A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
one member of the winning team
US$ 2,000.00
A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
one member of the winning team
US$ 2,000.00
A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
one member of the winning team
US$ 1,000.00
US$ 1,000.00

::: 10.2 Student Category

= First Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
one member of the winning team
4Architectural Design A trip to Galapagos for the winner or
(Habitable prototype) one member of the winning team
= Second Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design US$ 1,000.00
4Architectural Design US$ 1,000.00
(Habitable prototype)
= Third Prize
4Urban and Landscape Design Honorific Award
4Architectural Design Honorific Award
(Habitable prototype)
= Honorable Mentions at the Jury’s Discretion

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11. Jury
Guest speakers participating in the Symposium of the 2006 Quito Architecture Biennale will be the jury of the
International Competition. Their names will be published on the XV Biennale Web page ((www.baq2006.com)
as the Contest Commission receives their official letters of acceptance.
The Jury’s decision shall be final.
The Jury reserves the right to pronounce a category or sub–category without contestants.
All works produced by Jury members and architects who habitually collaborate with them, and their immediate
family members, shall be barred from the International Competition.

12. Entry costs

= Professional Category US$ 95,00
= Student Category US$ 45,00
NOTE: Keep in mind that these costs do not include shipping and printing expenses.

13. Entry
All contestant entries shall be done on–line, on the Web page of the XV Quito Architecture Biennale: www.
baq2006.com (International Competition: Entry Form).
One entry form shall be filled out per project. Participants wishing to compete with more than one project
should enter each one individually within the time limits stipulated in the contest brief.

14. Forms of payment

::: 14.1 Credit Card
You may pay via credit card at the Treasury of the Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador, Pichincha
province (Núñez de Vela N35–204 e Ignacio San María), or on line at www.baq2006.com.

::: 14.2 Direct Payment through Coordinator

::: 14.3 Bank Transfer
Bank transfers may be used, including the following information:
= Name of Beneficiary: Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador – Pichincha
= Beneficiary’s Address: Núñez de Vela N 35-204 e Ignacio San María
= Beneficiary’s Telephone: (593–2) 292–0214

= Name of Bank: Banco Bolivariano

= Beneficiary Account Number: Current account # 5005020592

= Address of Bank: Naciones Unidas E6-99

= Telephone of Bank: (593–2) 245–5000

= ABA Code: 021000089

= SWIFT Code: CITIUS33

= SWIFT code for transfers in Euros: BBOLECEG500

= Account number for transfers with an Intermediary Bank: 36047839, Citi Bank, New York

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 NOTE: Depending on the place of origin, the Banco Bolivariano charges a commission of 10 US
Dollars or 15 Euros for receiving bank transfers. This amount shall be automatically added to the
total if this payment option is selected.

::: 14.4 Direct Deposit (domestic contestants only)

Deposits may be made to the name of the Colegio de Arquitectos, Provincia de Pichincha, in
current account # 30534331-04 of the Banco del Pichincha. Contestants should send a copy of the
deposit slip via fax (226–8750) or via e-mail (bienal@cae.org.ec) and shall receive their entry number
and invoice by e-mail.

::: 14.5 Check (domestic contestants only)

Checks will be received until Monday, October 16, 2006, at the following address:
= Tesorería
Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador – Pichincha
Núñez de Vela N 35-204 e Ignacio San María
Quito
Ecuador.
Checks should be payable to the name of the Colegio de Arquitectos, Provincia de Pichincha. If sent
by regular mail or courier, please include a copy of the Entry Form with the check. Should the check
not become effective within a maximum of 5 days, the project shall be automatically disqualified.

15. Calendar
= Deadline for receiving entries: Wednesday, November 1, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
= Inauguración de la exposición: November 17, 2006
= Publicación del Fallo del Jurado: November 13, 2006

14. Endorsements
= IUA International Union of Architects
= RAGA Regional de Arquitectos del Grupo Andino
= FPAA Pan–American Federation of Architects’ Associations

15. Organizers
= BAQ/ 2006 Commission
= Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador, Pichincha Province

18. Contact Information

::: 18.1 In Quito:
Núñez de Vela N 35-204 e Ignacio San María // Quito :::: Ecuador
T: 593 2 226.8755, 246.9093, 246.9094, 246.9103, 243.3047, 243.3048 F: 593 2 226.8750
mjescudero@cae.org.ec // bienal@cae.org.ec // www.baq2006.com

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::: 18.2 In Galápagos:
Francisco Coronel, Architect
Director of Planning and Urban Development
Municipal Government of San Cristóbal Island
arq_franco2005@yahoo.es
Language: Spanish
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Residents:
Abdón Guerrero, Architect
aguerrero@ga.pro.ec
Languages: Spanish and English
Hugo Idrovo
eluguito@hotmail.com
Language: Spanish
Danilo León
daniloleon78@hotmail.com
Languages: Spanish and English
Stalin Puga
stalinskit@yahoo.com
Language: Spanish