Galapagos: Architecture at the Intersection of Biodiversity and Encroachment in the Ecuadorian Galapagos

Galapagos: Architecture at the Intersection of Biodiversity and Encroachment in the Ecuadorian GalapagosThe volcanic Galapagos Islands are typically known for Charles Darwins 1835 seminal publication of Origin of Species and his theories of evolution and less for their contemporary development issues. Data shows the islands are expanding rapidly in population and in tourist visitors, yet there are very few projects (on land or water) that examine integrated ecological solutions for development that might enable or promote a sustainable economic model.

The volcanic Galapagos Islands are typically known for Charles DarwinÕs 1835 seminal publication of ÔOrigin of SpeciesÕ and his theories of evolution - and less for their contemporary development issues. Data shows the islands are expanding rapidly in population and in tourist visitors, yet there are very few projects (on land or water) that examine integrated ecological solutions for development that might enable or promote a sustainable economic model. The work in this book is a compendium of MIT student work, and we hope it serves to illustrate alternative ways to work with, and on, the Galapagos Islands. In a series of conceptual projects that we invented, we hope to examine how architecture, urbanism and ecology might combine to create and better new scenarios for the future. On reflection, the work of the studio is a first step to a larger conversation about how the Galapagos should see its future, research the impact of human adaptation, and set some goals for survival.