arquitectum logo. (Courtesy of the host)

The “Ecological Lodge” to be designed is meant to be a new worldwide prototype model of lodge housing, its main purpose being the enjoyment of the landscape and environment, not the level of comfort it brings. Within this scheme, the “Ecological Lodge” is more a place to be, rather than a place to be in: of enjoyment of the context before the enjoyment of the infrastructure. In this way the environment is freed of excessive contaminating residues produced by the heavy rotation of visitors.

Higher value is placed on the temporary and active experiencing of the event itself (observation of the citadel) rather than on the efficiency and complexity that the installations may offer for a longer term stay.

This Ecological Lodge is meant to be a next generation type of lodging, a self sufficient refuge whose service plan is based on contemporary parameters of “zero ecological impact” which will promote a new kind of habitability, such as self service or self generation of energy; of basic maintenance, with a minimal team of employees for cleaning and medical needs; and the virtual elimination of waste residue through communal hygienic facilities, classification of residue according to biodegradability, and use of clean energy sources.

The goal of this shelter is to promote a new model of lodging in which tourists, with a minimum of luggage, can enjoy a clean, safe and economical place where they can spend a night and wake up around of the Citadel as well as enjoy, as part of their permanence- a trip inside the Maya’s Cultures in special museum incorporated inside the own Lodge.

The contest is trying to promote the development of a forward thinking consciousness in as far as lodging; tourism and ecological culture are concerned so the knowledge produced through it may be used at a later for the development of a project initiative.

The “Ecological Lodge” will have a basic plan that will occupy a built area of 1,500 square meters (16,145 square feet).

For more information: TIKAL