El Mirador
LocationMachu Picchu, Peru
ProgramExperiential Observatory
El Mirador, or “The Looker,” is an observatory on top of Machu Picchu, near the city of Cuzco, Peru. The site and inspiration was derived from the cultural and spiritual connection between the ancient Inca civilization and the sky. Conceptually El Mirador is about a connection to the earth with an outward focus on the sky. A single solid mass of elemental geometry is interrupted by transparent apertures and spaces that allow you to be consumed by the stereotomic structure while also being connected to the vast expanse of the sky. The structure is split into two programmatic elements, a more open residential sector and the observatory space, each occupying their own cube. A steel, tectonic bridge is used as a transition into the structure, contrasting the heavy concrete of the building’s core. As the structure gets taller the apertures get smaller and more focused on the sky. The apertures pinpoint certain stars and constellations, culminating at the oculus where you can view the entire sky. As the structure lowers toward the ground there is a focus on the earth, including views toward the ruins of Machu Picchu.