# Caá Porá Arquitectura Designs Drum-Inspired Performance Centre in Ecuador A new cultural campus in Carchi bridges African and Andean ancestral design aesthetics. - **Source:** [Architecture news and projects | Dezeen](https://brifing.si/source/50c21201-9cc6-48e0-8a7c-6ea605af10c3) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/14a5fddf-47b6-48a4-9123-3e58a8933b75 ## Cultural Campus Design Concept The Bombódromo performance centre is a collaborative project located in the Carchi province of Ecuador. Designed by Caá Porá Arquitectura and Jerome Haferd Studio, the campus aims to celebrate Afro-Ecuadorian heritage. It is situated along the Chota River in an Andean valley, serving as a central venue for local community gatherings. ## Drum-Inspired Architectural Language The central auditorium features a design directly inspired by the bomba, a traditional drum used by local people. This unique instrument serves as the primary aesthetic reference, bridging African and Andean design languages. The architects worked closely with local residents to ensure the concept authentically reflects the region's ancestral and cultural identity. ## Massive Bamboo Structural Elements The main performance space is designed to accommodate over 10,000 people under a roof system spanning 30 metres in diameter. Massive bundles of laminated bamboo and timber support the structure, mimicking the construction of the bomba drum. These columns highlight local building methods while providing a robust framework for the large-scale venue. ## Acoustics and Material Selection Acoustic fabric will be suspended from wooden rafters within the semi-enclosed performance space to optimize sound quality. The surrounding facilities, including eight outbuildings, will utilize rammed earth walls and metal roofs. These materials were chosen to reinforce the connection to traditional construction techniques while maintaining a modern, functional architectural standard. ## Campus Facilities and Layout Beyond the main auditorium, the campus includes classrooms, a restaurant, and artisan kiosks to support community activities. An outdoor area features a tiered gathering space integrated into the landscape near the river. These platforms provide primary viewing areas for performances, ensuring the design remains responsive to the natural topography of the valley. ## Community Engagement and Outreach The design team collaborated with the local group Fundación Casa Oshun to facilitate community outreach throughout the planning process. This partnership ensured that the venue addresses the specific needs of the Afro-Ecuadorian population. The project represents a radical, place-based reinterpretation of how performing arts spaces can function within a unique cultural context. ## Timeline and Future Outlook Construction for the Bombódromo campus is currently expected to break ground in 2027. The project follows a recent high-profile selection where the same architectural team was chosen to design the National Museum of Ecuador in Quito. This ongoing work highlights the firms' growing influence on public infrastructure projects across the country. ## Architectural Significance and Impact By integrating ancestral aesthetics with modern engineering, the project serves as a model for culturally responsive architecture. The use of local materials like bamboo and rammed earth reduces reliance on imported resources. This development marks a significant investment in Carchi’s cultural infrastructure, providing a flexible space for future artistic and social events. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dezeen.com/2026/11/11/caa-pora-arquitectura-jerome-haferd-studio-bombodromo-ecuador/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._