Architecture studio BIG has completed its Iqon skyscraper in the Ecuadorian city of Quito. The 32-storey high-rise is the studio's first completed project in South America.

The tower, which is now the tallest in the city, contains 220 apartments as well as commercial and office spaces and a rooftop swimming pool.

Exterior of Iqon tower in Quito by BIG — BIG has completed the Iqon tower in Quito, complete with rooftop pool

When discussing the project BIG's founder Bjarke Ingels said, "We've tried to take all the iconic qualities of Quito – such as the enjoyment of living in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, in a city on the equator where the seasons are perfect for both human and plant life – and bring that experience into the vertical dimension".

Commenters had mixed opinions on the project, one praised its "beautiful execution" whereas another was "disappointed" by the studio's use of concrete and thought "they could be doing more to explore local materials and construction techniques".

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine by Santiago Calatrava — The Santiago Calatrava-designed St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church has officially opened

Other stories in this week's newsletter include an interview with Amnesty International's Peter Frankental about architecture firms working on the Neom project, Santiago Calatrava's completed World Trade Center church in New York and RIBA's announcement of its House of the Year for 2022.

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Dezeen Debate features BIG's "beautiful" concrete skyscraper in Ecuador

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