An innovative architectural project has transformed an ordinary public bathroom in Quito, Ecuador, into a striking concrete installation that explores the fluid nature of construction materials. The project, called "Umbral," was created by JGStudio Arquitectura as part of a temporary architecture exhibition commissioned by Boonker and Rinnova, showcasing how everyday spaces can be reimagined through artistic intervention.
The installation represents a remarkable engineering feat, completed within just one week of construction. The design team focused on investigating concrete's dual nature as both a fluid and structural material, using custom prefabricated concrete elements to capture the precise moment when the material transitions from liquid motion to solid form. This transitional quality became the central theme of the spatial experience, influencing both the interior and exterior elements of the transformed bathroom.
JGStudio Arquitectura organized the installation into three distinct zones, each drawing inspiration from different planetary environments to create unique atmospheric experiences. The first zone, representing Earth, features a green space where living vegetation emerges through specially designed concrete modules, creating a striking contrast between organic life and the rigid industrial material system. This section demonstrates how natural and architectural elements can coexist and complement each other.
The second zone, inspired by Mars, is characterized by red-toned surfaces that emphasize temperature variations, visual contrast, and emotional intensity through carefully planned chromatic treatments. The warm red hues create a sense of otherworldly atmosphere while highlighting the material properties of the concrete elements. The third zone, representing Saturn, features soft white and beige color schemes that evoke spatial clarity and a sense of expansion through lighter material finishes, providing a calming counterpoint to the more dramatic Mars section.
The architectural team completely reconfigured the original bathroom layout to prioritize spatial perception and sensory engagement over traditional functionality. Rather than focusing on practical bathroom features, the design reduces functionality to its minimal expression, instead creating an environment that encourages visitors to pause, observe, and interact with the materials in new ways. This approach transforms the utilitarian space into a contemplative artistic environment.
The prefabricated concrete blocks used throughout the installation specifically highlight the material's transitional nature, showcasing moments frozen in time when liquid concrete begins to solidify into permanent structures. The modular design allows vegetation to emerge through carefully planned openings in the concrete units, creating unexpected intersections between natural growth and architectural form. The project's light-colored finishes and calm material palette contribute to an overall sense of serenity while maintaining visual interest through textural variations and the interplay of organic and geometric forms.
