Completed in 2023 by the Ecuadorian agency Natura Futura (founded by José Fernando Gómez) and BAMBA Studio, the Spanish agency of architect Juan Carlos Bamba, ‘Las Tejedoras’ provides a new space for the Bromelias Women Craftswomen’s Organisation in the urban community of Chongón, Ecuador. Winner of the fifth Mies Crown Hall Americas Emerging Project Award, the project creates a space for both production and learning, enabling unemployed women to participate in the development of local craftsmanship.

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Ethel Halimi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to the building is via a gallery that serves as an intermediary space between the street and the interior areas. A central courtyard planted with trees forms the meeting point for the various wings of the building. From hand weaving to product-selling , theoretical training rooms and practical workshops offer these craftswomen a multitude of opportunities and apprenticeships to consolidate their expertise.

The structure of the building is made from teak wood, an indigenous species traditionally used to build local stilt houses. The brick walls, with their herringbone pattern, define enclosed functional spaces. The wooden louvres control light and ventilation in the building.

 

 

 

 

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Community Productive Development Centre, Las Tejedoras, Chongón, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Programme: New space for the Bromelias Women Craftswomen’s Organisation – Creation of a centre for learning, integrating and selling craft products for unemployed women in the urban community of Chongon
Project sponsor: Young Living Foundation
Architects: Natura Futura Natura Futura and Juan Carlos Bamba
Award: Winner of the MCHAP.emerge prize
Photographs: JAG Studio
Delivery date: 2023