High-altitude viewpoint perches over a volcanic crater lake
This wooden observation platform by architects Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno sits high above a three-kilometre-wide lake inside an active volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes (+ slideshow).
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
Mera, Andrade and Moreno designed the viewing deck for the edge of Quilotoa, a water-filled volcanic crater with a three-kilometre caldera that was formed after an eruption 800 years ago.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Positioned 3,974 metres above sea level, the high-altitude Quilotoa Crater Overlook offers tourists two different viewpoints down to the water, which is a vivid shade of turquoise thanks to the volcanic minerals present.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
The project was instigated by the Ecuadorian tourist board, which requested an attraction that would support the guided visits, restaurants and accommodation run by the indigenous Shalalá community.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"The ministry aimed to support the venture of the community, helping its members to increase their income through their involvement in the provision of touristic services," said the architects.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
Constructed amongst the low grasses and bushy shrubs, the steel-framed wooden platform comprises an upper deck that extends out into the air, and a set of descending steps that create bleacher-style seating.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
"The experience of the user is enriched through the creation of a platform extending from the edge of the crater over the cliff looking to give the visitor the opportunity to 'fly' over the landscape, producing an almost vertigo-like sensation," said the architects.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"At the same time, a space for passive viewing is created, where the user is protected from the elements and is able to have a moment of contemplation and introspection."
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_santiago-del-hierro_dezeen_468_11.jpg)
The teak wood surfaces have a pre-weathered finish that help them to blend in with the overgrown landscape, while balustrades are glazed so as not to disrupt the views.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
"The discrete but magnificent beauty of the landscape demands the architectonic response to be austere, in an attempt to merge itself with the surrounding landscape," added the team.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The structure will be maintained by the local community, and has been designed so it can be easily dismantled if necessary.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
The project also included the addition of a gravel pathway that connects the platform with other nearby tourist facilities.
Photography is by Lorena Darquea, apart from where otherwise stated.
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_5.gif)
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_4.gif)
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_2.gif)
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_1.gif)
![Volcano crater observation deck by Javier Mera, Jorge Andrade and Daniel Moreno](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/Volcano-crater-observation-deck-by-Javier-Mera-Jorge-Andrade-and-Daniel-Moreno_dezeen_3.gif)