Bjarke Ingels has announced his firm's first project in South America.

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) have designed The IQON in Quito, Ecuador – set to be the tallest structure in the city when completed.

The residential tower will overlook the expansive Parque La Carolina and have terraced gardens, with planting echoing that of the park.

Ingels said BIG is creating a vertical community, by planting native trees and plants on the terraces.

"We are letting Parque La Carolina climb up and into the building," he explained.

The park has been a focal point of cultural events and sporting activities since its renovation in the 1940s.

The 33-storey, 35,000 sq m building will be constructed of modular concrete boxes and will feature a number of leisure amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.