Architectural & Interior Redesign of a Municipal Kiosk in Malacatos In early 2026, Vanessa and Miguel approached me with a clear vision: to transform one of the municipal kiosks in Malacatos Central Park into a cocktail bar inspired by the identity of the region. The name Tonic Cocktails is inspired by the cascarilla tree (Cinchona), known in Ecuador as the árbol de la cascarilla. Native to the Andean around Loja and southern Ecuador, its bark has long been valued as the natural source of quinine—the bitter compound that gives tonic water its distinctive flavour and forms part of its fascinating history. This regional identity became an important inspiration throughout the design process. The municipality had already established the kiosk's structural framework. My challenge was not to replace it, but to reinterpret and elevate it through architecture and interior architecture. The architectural redesign focused on improving ergonomics, anthropometric dimensions, workflow, weather protection, and the kiosk's relationship to the surrounding public space. At the same time, the interior architecture shaped the entire customer experience—from the bar layout and material palette to the lighting concept, custom furniture, product display and spatial atmosphere. The project included the complete architectural and interior design, technical construction drawings, material specifications, construction details, and 3D visualizations that guided the project's realization from concept to completion. For me, architecture and interior architecture are never just about designing buildings or interiors. They are about creating places with identity—places that feel welcoming, tell a story, and bring people together. Every decision, from the spatial layout to the smallest material detail, contributes to the atmosphere people experience. Seeing Tonic Cocktails come to life almost exactly as it was envisioned has been one of the most rewarding parts of this project. I am deeply grateful to Vanessa and Miguel for the trust they placed in my work and for their dedication in bringing the design into reality. Their commitment transformed a shared vision into a vibrant meeting place at the heart of Malacatos.
