Ruinas de Quilmes: An Open-Air Museum in Northern Argentina

TerraViva Competitions tarafından düzenlenen "Ruinas de Quilmes: An Open-Air Museum in Northern Argentina" başlıklı yarışma için 16 Ekim 2026 tarihine kadar başvuru yapılabiliyor.

Intro

Northwestern Argentina (NOA) is a region of dramatic reliefs, vibrant landscapes and deeply rooted traditions shaped by a strong ancestral culture. It is home to remarkable archaeological sites that connect visitors with the deepest roots of South American history.

The Sacred City of Quilmes is located in the province of Tucumán, a territory defined by two distinct types of landscape: to the west, a mountainous system characterised by vast valleys, and to the east, flat plains shaped by both permanent and seasonal agriculture. In the lowland area where San Miguel de Tucumán – the provincial capital – is situated, abundant rainfall sustains dense vegetation, earning it the nickname “The Garden of the Republic”.

In contrast, deep within the valley between the Quilmes Peaks to the west and the Calchaquí Ranges to the east, where the most visited archaeological site is located, scarce rainfall gives rise to an arid landscape, typical of the high-altitude puna environment.

By the end of the 15th century, the population density in these valleys was so significant that they became part of one of the branches of the Inca road system. Today, this route corresponds to National Route 40, which stretches over 5.117 km, connecting the northernmost and southernmost points of Argentina, from La Quiaca to Ushuaia.

From this main road, a secondary access leads to the archaeological site and serves as the primary connection to the surrounding settlements: Quilmes de Abajo, Quilmes del Medio and Rincón de Quilmes.

The Competition

Each year, thousands of visitors travel to the Sacred City of Quilmes, reaching it via a roughly 4-kilometre stretch of rugged terrain, either by private vehicle or organised excursion. Upon
arrival, they encounter the small Interpretation Centre (CIQ) – a contemporary building in good condition – and an informal market where local products can be purchased.

However, this remarkable cultural site lacks a clearly defined point of entry and reception capable of enhancing its value. For this reason, the challenge of this competition is to design a new Visitor Centre, conceived as a space that welcomes and guides visitors throughout their journey across the ruins.

The site’s iconic character – at the crossroads of anthropology, spirituality and art – raises a compelling question: how can this identity be expressed through contemporary architecture? Participants are invited to propose a new building that acts as a gateway, an arrival space integrating essential services while becoming the starting point of the broader landscape experience.

The scope of the project also extends to the ruins themselves. The proposal aims to conceive the entire site as an Open-Air Museum, through a series of small-scale interventions designed to accompany and enrich the visitor experience. While basic signage and wayfinding elements are already in place, what new devices could strengthen this narrative and establish a deeper connection between architecture and landscape?

Participants are encouraged to experiment freely, proposing creative solutions capable of enhancing both the landscape and its pathways, transforming the visit to the Sacred City into a truly memorable experience.

The Project

Participants are asked to envision an integrated proposal capable of transforming the Sacred City into a unique OpenAir Museum experience. The scale and impact of the intervention will be left to the designers’ discretion, encouraging a diversity of approaches: both bold and ambitious proposals, as well as more subtle and conservative ones, will be equally valued.

Visitor Centre

The intervention area includes the existing parking zone and the space currently occupied by the informal market. The new building may be located anywhere within the perimeter defined in the Download Package.

The Visitor Centre should function as the main point of entry, integrating the spaces and functions required to ensure the proper operation of the complex. In addition, a new market for local products must be designed to replace the existing one.

No restrictions are imposed in terms of form, height or overall dimensions. It will be up to each designer to interpret the context and define the most appropriate concept, whether a discreet structure that blends into the landscape or a recognisable and iconic landmark. The possibilities are endless!

The existing Interpretation Centre must be preserved and participants are free to determine its relationship with the new intervention. At the same time, particular attention should be given to the overall reorganisation of the area, clearly defining both pedestrian and vehicular circulation, including the parking layout.

Open-Air Museum

The project will extend into the archaeological site itself, integrating the new architectural concept with the existing visitor route.  The proposed landscape language for the pathways should establish a dialogue with the compositional and formal design of the Visitor Centre.

The aim is to enhance the visitor experience by improving the existing paths. Careful consideration of materials and textures will therefore be essential to ensure a respectful integration within the context.

Informational totems, resting areas, railings, pedestrian platforms, viewpoints, shaded spaces and lighting systems are just some of the elements that may be incorporated to define a comprehensive strategy.

This is a unique opportunity to rethink how contemporary architecture can engage with a millennia-old heritage, providing a physical framework that enhances the experience of the landscape. Participants are encouraged to propose solutions capable of marking a turning point in the identity of the site.

Prizes

1° Prize: 4.000 $

2° Prize: 2.000 $

3° Prize: 1.000 $

5 Golden Mentions: coupon for a free membership

10 Honorable Mentions: coupon for a free competition

30 Finalists: published on Terraviva channels

Calendar

“Early” registrations: 28.04.2026 — 17.07.2026 (h 3:00 pm CET)

“Standard” registrations: 17.07.2026 — 18.09.2026 (h 3:00 pm CET)

“Late” registrations: 18.09.2026 — 16.10.2026 (h 3:00 pm CET)

Submission deadline: 16.10.2026 (h 3:00 pm CET)

Winners announcement: 16.11.2026 (h 12:00 pm CET)

Jury

• Agostina María Giusto [Bahía Blanca, Argentina] | UNS

• Jaime Font [Barcelona, Spain] | Mesura

• Irina Shmeleva [Copenhagen, Denmark] | Henning Larsen

• Leonardo Losada [Rosario, Argentina] | LCarq / FAPyD UNR

• Tommaso Michieli [Udine, Italia] | MichieliZanatta

• İnci Shoainia [Ankara, Turkey] | Spika Architecture

• Yang Fei [Boston, United States] | Field Object Lab

• Juan José Vargas Castillo [Medellin, Colombia] | TAP Arquitectura

Arkitera takipçilerine özel, “Ruinas de Quilmes: An Open-Air Museum in Northern Argentina” yarışmasında geçerli özel %30 indirim kodu: RDQ30XARCHITERA