The Institute for Tropical Architecture (ITA) was founded in 1994, as a non-for profit association (ONG), composed of architects and other professionals. Our principle objective is to promote discussion and provide study about architecture and urbanism adapted to the tropics. As a non for profit organization, the Institute depends on donations from outside sources in order to finance its investigations, publications, conferences, and operating expenses. Our headquaters, located in San José, Costa Rica, provide a library, computers, slide & DVD collections, audio-visual equipment and professional staff to our researchers.

The architecture with which we end this century is abstract and climate independent.. When the modernist dogma flooded the planet, it erased cultural tradition modes of expression causing rampant internationalism that was not successfully adapted to the tropics. Some architects however, surpassed this monotony. They succeeded in incorporating cultural life and local climate by adapting coherent forms, materials, concepts and cultural traditions while remaining modern, They defined an architecture that dearly reflected regional influences while providing contemporary solutions.

It is important to understand the permanent concerns of a region. In tropical construction, we recognize salient elements like the long eaves, steeply sloping roofs, water gathering systems, perforate facades and lush vegetation. This group of expressive elements forms a recognizable architecture based on the realities of the climate: rain, sun, heat and langour. They integrate building and context.

Traditional architecture responded empirically and coherently to this context. By reevaluating the languages of traditional tropical architecture, a new and contemporary buildings can be created.

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