Equator

The project proposes a site museum at the Middle of the World, located at latitude 0 in Quito, Ecuador. It seeks to create a profound phenomenological experience by carving a fissure into the earth, precisely aligned with the equator. This subterranean space invites visitors to descend and experience equatorial light from beneath the surface, revealing the unique interplay of sun, shadow, and atmosphere at the Earth’s midpoint.

The design emphasizes temporal and seasonal shifts, allowing the quality of light and shadow to change throughout the day and year, reinforcing the equator’s significance beyond a static line. Additionally, the project integrates local cultural narratives and indigenous knowledge, offering insights into how different civilizations have understood and interacted with this unique geographic condition.

By leveraging natural lighting and ventilation strategies, the museum minimizes its environmental impact, creating a self-sustaining space that harmonizes with the land rather than imposing upon it. This fusion of architecture, geography, and human perception transforms the site into an immersive, educational, and deeply sensorial experience, redefining how visitors engage with the equator.