Safdie Architects have released plans for a new "geared" tower in Quito, Ecuador, which will be collaborated with leading Ecuadorean construction firm, Uribe & Schwarzkopf, renowned for delivering iconic residential projects in Ecuador’s capital and beyond. 

Dubbed as Qorner, the 24-story tower, overlooking La Carolina Park, will be composed of vertically stacked residential units with units staggered in and out, creating generous garden terraces on each level. 

Qorner will be the first residential building of Safdie Architects built in South America, and the first project in Ecuador. Set to be one of Quito’s tallest, the fractalized tower profile will feature private landscaped terraces and a green garden wall on the north façade to maximize indoor-outdoor living.

"SA is delighted to join forces with Uribe & Schwarzkopf, given their extensive track record of delivering high quality, well-crafted buildings," said Moshe Safdie. 

"We pride ourselves on developing projects unique to the place and program, and at the same time, incorporating principles that have long guided our work."

"While our projects around the world are diverse, our principles remain steadfast for each one: access to green space, the maximization of daylight and views in eachdwelling, and fostering a sense of a ‘vertical neighborhood’ wherein eachapartment forms part of a greater whole," he added. 

Creating the smallest footprint at site, Qorner is situated to take full advantage of its location overlooking La Carolina Park. Safdie Architects will be collaborating with Ecuadorian landscape firm Greenstar on the project, as well as structural engineer Arup.

Qorner expands the firm’s work in South America, which includes the Albert Einstein Education and Research Center in São Paulo, Brazil and the Serena Del Mar Hospital in Cartagena, Colombia. Along with Moshe Safdie, the Safdie Architects project team will be led by Principals Jaron Lubin and Sean Scensor.

Project Consultants

Design Architect: Safdie Architects

Executive Architect: Uribe & Schwarzkopf

Structural Engineers: Arup and Fernando Romo (Ecuador) 

Landscape Design Consultant: Greenstar (Ecuador)

All images courtesy of Safdie Architects

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