Los colores de Quito: rápida reflexión sobre el color en la arquitectura del Centro Histórico

A historical analysis of color use in Quito's Historic Center reveals that the city's architectural polychromy was significantly diminished by a 1960s municipal ordinance mandating white and indigo blue facades, which bore little resemblance to the diverse color palettes used across different periods. Research conducted by the Gitty Institute at the end of the 20th century demonstrated that Quito's chromatic diversity varied historically due to pigment availability. Despite a recent 'recovery of color' initiative aimed at restoring this diversity, the long-standing ordinance has fostered public ignorance about the city's rich color history. This study underscores the importance of acknowledging and preserving the spatial coexistence of architectural styles from different eras.

Ortiz Crespo, A. (2021). Los colores de Quito: rápida reflexión sobre el color en la arquitectura del Centro Histórico. Revista Sarance, (46), 129–155. https://doi.org/10.51306/ioasarance.046.06