Student Pavilion - PUCE I
The Student Pavilion at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Ibarra campus (PUCE-I), was conceived as a space that transcends functionality to become an emblem of community life, identity, and collaborative learning. Designed and built under a design build academic methodology, the pavilion responds to the growing need for spaces that foster rest, interaction, and belonging within the university environment.
Architecturally, the pavilion is strategically located in a green area in front of the Architecture School Building, one of the most dynamic nodes of the campus. This placement allows it to become a natural meeting point, directly connected to circulation flows, the cafeteria, and other daily student activities. The project emphasizes harmony with the environment: rather than imposing itself on the landscape, it integrates with the existing biodiversity, preserving mature trees that provide shade and microclimatic regulation. The design incorporates sustainable strategies such as passive ventilation and natural lighting, while the use of wood establishes a dialogue with the material identity of the campus. These elements generate an atmosphere that is at once welcoming, durable, and contextually rooted.
The pavilion’s spatial organization encourages flexibility and adaptability. It features open areas for informal study, rest, and social interaction, complemented by versatile furniture that can be reconfigured to host diverse activities—from quiet reading to small group discussions or spontaneous gatherings. Transparency and openness guide the architectural language: large openings and lightweight structures connect interior and exterior spaces, reinforcing the idea of a porous, community-oriented architecture.
From an academic perspective, the Student Pavilion is not only a built project but also the result of an integral pedagogical process. Developed as a graduation thesis within the PUCE-I Architecture Design Studio, it involved two consecutive semesters of work. The first semester was dedicated to research: identifying the lack of adequate rest and social spaces on campus, analyzing environmental and cultural conditions, and generating design proposals. The second semester shifted toward management and execution: students engaged directly in technical detailing, budgeting, permits, and ultimately the construction of the pavilion alongside faculty and peers.
This dual process transformed the pavilion into a living laboratory where students bridged theory and practice, strengthening their professional skills while generating a tangible contribution to their academic community. The project highlights the value of design build as a teaching method: it not only trains future architects in design and construction but also instills collaboration, responsibility, and sensitivity toward context and users.
Images and Plans
Technical Description
Technical Description – Student Pavilion, PUCE Ibarra
The construction of the Student Pavilion at PUCE Ibarra is characterized by a balance between material efficiency, sustainability, and contextual integration. The project adopts a hybrid system that combines traditional and contemporary techniques, aiming for durability, low environmental impact, and coherence with the campus architecture.
Primary Structure
The pavilion’s main structure is composed of a lightweight wooden frame system, chosen for its renewable origin, cost efficiency, and adaptability to the natural conditions of the site. The timber members are dimensioned to allow modularity and ease of assembly, facilitating on-site adjustments. Structural joints employ both mechanical fasteners and traditional carpentry techniques, ensuring stability while maintaining construction simplicity.
Roofing and Protection
The roofing system consists of lightweight panels supported by timber trusses, designed to provide generous overhangs that protect against rain and direct solar radiation. This passive strategy reduces maintenance needs and enhances user comfort, while the roof geometry ensures proper water drainage, connected to discreet rainwater collection channels.
Flooring and Finishes
The pavilion rests on a raised concrete foundation that guarantees durability and prevents direct contact with ground moisture. Floors use a decking made of recicled plastic, offering both robustness and warmth in user experience. Finishes prioritize natural textures, untreated wood, and neutral coatings to highlight material authenticity and minimize environmental footprint.
Openings and Transparency
The design emphasizes permeability through wide openings, and modular furniture elements. These components not only facilitate natural ventilation and daylighting but also contribute to the sense of openness.
Construction Process
The project was executed under a design build methodology, involving students directly in every construction phase. This allowed the application of conventional tools and manual techniques, combined with digital modeling for precision in prefabricated components. The use of locally sourced materials reduced costs and strengthened ties with regional suppliers.
