Arquitectum International Architectural Competition: Kuelap 2007

Arquitectum, an enterprise dedicated to the development of architectural bidding contests, is pleased to welcome all architects from around the world to the International Architectural Competition "Kuelap 2007", which will take place from October of this year until February of 2007.

Situated on the left bank of the Utcubamba River, in the department of Amazonas, is Kuélap, an architectural complex of spectacularly cyclopean proportions.

In the context of the function which the author attributes to the monumental architecture of ancient Peru in general, Kuélap -contrary to common opinion- was not a fortress, but rather a monumental administrative center for food production.

The complex would have had spaces reserved for the rites and rituals aimed at ensuring a good harvest, as well as dwellings for the society's leaders.

The great majority of the buildings would, however, have been used for storing foodstuffs.

The "Lodge-Museum" to be designed is meant to be a new worldwide prototype model of lodge housing, its main purpose being the enjoyment of the landscape and environment, not the level of comfort it brings.

Within this scheme, the "Lodge-Museum" is more a place to be, rather than a place to be in: of enjoyment of the context before the enjoyment of the infrastructure.