An orange pathway paints the historic center of Quito, Ecuador

The historic center of Quito, Ecuador, has been traced by a land art installation by architect Felipe Escudero. In fact, CROMA covers an area of 10,000 square meters, drawing on the pavement a striking orange pathway 1.6 kilometers long that connects two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Basílica del Voto Nacional and the Palacio de Cristal Itchimbia. Revitalizing Quito’s once-forgotten UNESCO site, the intervention blends art, architecture and urban renewal.

The color orange, chosen for its associations with joy, creativity and vitality, runs through the urban landscape to promote a sense of belonging and community pride. Made with more than 5,000 gallons of paint, the monochromatic strip is intended to encourage public interaction and improve the perception of safety in the area. The path also connects Quito’s different neighborhoods and iconic buildings, creating a sensory experience that allows visitors to engage with the city’s cultural heritage with new perspectives. This connection between art and architecture strengthens the social fabric of the area, transforming the public area into a space for collective reflection and enjoyment.

Organized in collaboration with the City of Quito, Obbbio, and paint brand Pintulac, CROMA is an example of how art can catalyze urban transformation. Felipe Escudero seeks here to reinvigorate previously neglected spaces and demonstrate the potential of creative interventions to influence urban dynamics.