In the bustling city of Babahoyo, Ecuador, urban development trends have shifted over the past four decades, leading to the neglect of collective housing and the proliferation of speculative urban models on the city’s outskirts. In response to this urban evolution, Natura Futura Arquitectura undertook a transformative renovation project, Operations Within Apartments, aimed at revitalizing disused spaces within multi-family buildings and fostering community engagement.

Reimagining Urban Living

The project’s focal point is a housing unit situated on the banks of the river in Babahoyo’s urban area, chosen by a young couple eager to reside in the city center. Acquiring a defunct apartment in a collective housing building from the 1980s, the couple sought to revitalize the space, which suffered from outdated configurations and poor lighting. The intervention aimed to create a flexible and adaptable living environment, capable of accommodating diverse needs and activities.

Innovative Design Operations

Operations Within Apartments introduces six key design operations to facilitate versatility and transformation within the space:

1. Rotation: Incorporating a turntable mechanism, enabling the conversion of an office desk into an expanded dining area.
2. Sliding: Implementing sliding walls to seamlessly transition between the guest room and an extended living space.
3. Elevation: Introducing a raised counter with pulleys, allowing the breakfast bar to expand into the kitchen area.
4. Foldability: Utilizing panels to extend the living room onto the terrace, enhancing indoor-outdoor connectivity.
5. Folding: Integrating a bed/wardrobe system to transform the living room into a resting space as needed.
6. Double Use: Repurposing elements such as windows, railings, and wooden trunks to serve multiple functions within the space.

Local Craftsmanship and Materiality

The mechanisms for each operation were crafted using local artisanal techniques and materials sourced from the Ecuadorian coast, including plant fibers, wood, textiles, and pottery. Embracing a trial-and-error approach, the interventions were refined in situ to ensure functionality and adaptability to the occupants’ needs.

Community Impact and Collective Engagement

Beyond individual housing units, Operations Within Apartments has sparked community-wide initiatives, including neighborhood revitalization projects and the establishment of a family business on the ground floor. Collaborative efforts to paint facades and communal areas have fostered a sense of collective ownership and pride within the community. Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, residents are actively shaping the future of their shared spaces.

Towards New Forms of Collectivity

Operations Within Apartments represents more than a mere renovation; it signifies a shift towards collective empowerment and urban revitalization. By revaluing disused spaces and fostering community engagement, the project seeks to create a conducive environment for new forms of collectivity to thrive, revitalizing urban centers and enhancing the quality of life for residents.