Amid the lush expanse of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated haven for biodiversity in Ecuador, the Yuyarina Pacha Community Library emerges as an architectural narrative of resilience, culture and collective ambition. Designed by Quito-based Al Borde Architects, founded by David Barragán, Esteban Benavides, Pascual Gangotena and Marialuisa Borja, the studio is known for their socially conscious design and resourceful minimalism. The library epitomises their commitment to blending cultural identity with functional design. From revitalising abandoned spaces to designing community-focused architecture, Al Borde’s work strikes a delicate balance between contemporary aesthetics and vernacular architecture, earning them international acclaim for their commitment to ethical and inclusive design practices.

This three-storey library, situated in the remote village of Huaticocha, embodies the architects' philosophy of blending architecture with community and culture. Far from being a mere repository of books, the library is envisioned as a vibrant, multifunctional space that integrates Indigenous architecture with modern design strategies; an ethos deeply rooted in the collaborative spirit that birthed the project. It fosters a holistic approach to education and cultural preservation, offering a place where learning, creativity and heritage converge seamlessly.

‘Yuyarina Pacha’ translates to ‘Space-Time to Think’ in Kichwa, capturing the library’s intent to provide a reflective and creative sanctuary for the local community. Its genesis lies in a pilot education initiative launched in 2019 by Laboratorio Creativo Sarawarmi and Witoca, an agricultural association focusing on coffee cultivation. The Kichwa people, an Indigenous group in Ecuador, maintain a deep connection to their environment through traditions such as storytelling, agriculture and craftsmanship. These practices reflect a holistic worldview where knowledge is preserved and shared communally. What began as an informal reading club for children quickly evolved into a robust community-led project, underpinned by the need for a safe and inclusive environment.

A multilayered spatial experience

The library unfolds across three distinct yet interconnected levels, each thoughtfully designed to serve the diverse needs of its community. The ground floor is an open, fluid space, perfect for hands-on art and science workshops that celebrate the use of natural and locally sourced materials. Its flexible layout transforms effortlessly into a venue for informal gatherings, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Ascending to the first floor, visitors encounter a more enclosed environment, home to an expansive collection of books. Here, an inviting open-shelf format encourages both children and adults to explore and engage with curated selections. This versatile space also doubles as a meeting area, embodying the multifunctional principles essential to community design.

The journey culminates on the second floor, where the emphasis shifts to digital literacy. Tablets and audio collections preserve and share the region's rich oral traditions, blending age-old practices with contemporary technology. A tranquil reading balcony extends from this level, offering a serene vantage point overlooking the central void—a thoughtful design gesture that balances openness with moments of quiet introspection.

The architectural narrative is enriched by the use of Chonta, an Indigenous palm celebrated for its structural durability. Traditionally employed in Amazonian homes, the material anchors the project in vernacular construction practices while adapting to contemporary needs. The steeply pitched thatched roof not only addresses the region’s rainy climate but integrates a glass skylight to ensure the entry of natural light. This subtle intervention highlights the architects’ commitment to connecting historical practices with sustainable design innovations.

Crafting with contextual sensitivity

Building within the Amazon presents unique challenges, particularly when working with organic, irregular materials like Chonta. Al Borde embraced these imperfections, designing with the knowledge that absolute precision was neither feasible nor desirable. The result is an architecture that feels grounded and human, reflecting the pragmatism of ancestral techniques while elevating them through modern interpretation. 

The steep roof ridge, a feature that often demands careful construction and maintenance in thatched buildings, was reimagined with the skylight addition, ensuring longevity and ease of upkeep. This approach underscores the project’s ethos of self-management and sustainability, championing a hands-on relationship between the community and the built environment.

A symbol of community empowerment

Yuyarina Pacha transcends its physicality. As a self-managed space, it exemplifies how rural communities can assert autonomy in their development, often filling the void left by systemic neglect. Its purpose is twofold: to preserve the oral and material culture of the Kichwa people and to provide a tangible locus for contemporary education and dialogue. 

The project’s significance is heightened by its participatory nature. Even before the building’s completion, the community began appropriating the site, hosting events that deepened their connection to the space. This act of ownership not only reinforces the library’s role as a community hub but symbolises the power of local agency in architectural discourse.

In remote areas of Ecuador, access to education is often limited by geographic isolation and scarce resources. Schools and libraries, when available, play a vital role in bridging these gaps, offering opportunities for learning and connection. This project is a living, breathing entity; a celebration of cultural identity, an anchor for community dialogue and a testament to the ingenuity of indigenous knowledge systems.

In a time when architecture often prioritises spectacle over substance, this project invites critical reflection: Can contemporary design truly serve communities without engaging deeply with their cultural and material landscapes? The Yuyarina Pacha Library offers a resounding yes, reminding us that architecture's greatest strength lies in its ability to listen, adapt and empower.

Project Details

Name: Yuyarina Pacha Community Library 
Location: Huaticocha, Ecuador 
Typology: Community Library 
Client: Laboratorio Creativo Sarawarmi and Witoca 
Architect: Al Borde 
Collaborators: Local community members  
Year of Completion: 2024