Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana (1944-1965). El proyecto y la obra de René Denis

Abstract

The House of the Ecuadorian Culture was created as an institution in August of 1944. Its goal was promoting the culture and the arts of the country. It was necessary to have an adequate space in order to develop all the proposed activities. The final project for this building was preceded by others which were framed in a temporary stage of transition of architectural styles, where modernity was already present in the Country. It is so in 1955 - 1965 René Denis Zaldumbide planned the construction of the Institution. By then this emblematic project for Ecuador was designated to be home for the XI Inter-American Conference of Foreign Ministers.

To understand what the motivation was that led to René Denis’ conception of the final project for the CCE, it is necessary to understand the influence that the architect received during his training period at the School of Fine Arts in Paris, forming part of Auguste Perret’s workshop, besides working at 35 Rue de Sèvres, Le Corbusier’s private workshop.

Through the compilation of information of different characteristics, whether graphic, oral, written, etc. we proceed to analyze each one in order to understand the criteria and intentions of René Denis when planning and conceiving the final project of the Ecuadorian House of Culture. Through the (re) construction of the project we will understand its formal values, analyzing the site, program and construction.