This project reimagines the beach as a tapestry of life beyond mere tourism—a vital, living ecosystem sustaining local communities, fishermen, agriculture, and cultural heritage. In Jama, Ecuador, the challenge of 100% private coastal ownership constrains municipal efforts for preservation. The analysis reveals that smaller plots nurture local life, while larger plots cater to private developments. The focus is on Punta Blanca, identifying a 20,000 sqm plot as a beacon for community resilience due to its accessibility and potential for communal infrastructure.
The design transcends conventional architecture, weaving essential infrastructures like water towers, rainwater stations, and coastal crop cultivation into the fabric of the land, fostering food sovereignty. A boat repair shop bridges a crucial gap, supporting the fishermen’s lifeblood. Interspersed community spaces invite organic growth, evolving in harmony with the residents’ needs. An elevated ramp offers visitors a poetic journey, a vantage point to witness the symbiosis of land and community.
This project celebrates the Punta Blanca community, nurturing sustainable, organic growth while preserving cultural and economic integrity. It stands as a living framework, ensuring the community’s spirit and traditions flourish over time, blending the essence of the sea and the resilience of its people.
