Freddy Mamani on merging architecture and heritage
Bolivian architect Freddy Mom he emerges not merely as a stylistic extreme, but as a practitioner of a living utopia. based on cultural continuity rather than speculative abstraction. Known for his vibrant New Andean architecture, Mamani has reshaped El Alto’s monochromatic cityscape. countrytransforming its once monochromatic skyline into a bold expression of identity. His work resists the homogenizing tendencies of global modernism, proposing instead an alternative vision of progress rooted in indigenous knowledge and collective memory.
Mamani’s architecture functions less as a projection of an ideal future and more as an active method, a way of building that reconnects past and present to produce new spatial possibilities. By incorporating Aymara symbolism, art and color into contemporary structures, his works challenge the idea that modernity requires a break from history. Instead, they suggest that utopia can be built incrementally, through cultural affirmation and everyday urban transformation. For deeper insights into the fusion of architecture and heritage, designboom had the opportunity to attend Mamani’s talk at the In Focus: Radical Repair event during Milan Triennale 2023 – read the discussion below.
Freddy Mamani’s Living Architecture in El Alto | all images courtesy of Yuri Segalerba
interview with BOLIVIAN ARCHITECT Freddy Mamani
designboom (DB): What is the focus of your participation in the In Focus: Radical Repair event?
Freddy Mama (FM): I want to show my identity through architecture. By participating in In Focus: Radical Repair, I want to show that in South America there is a strong culture connected to its ancestral roots.
DB: In your work, you have imbued the city of El Alto and other places in Bolivia with culture, color and personality. How does your approach contribute to the concept of radical repair?
FM: We helped fill a radical void in the urban landscape by creating buildings that help today’s society identify with the culture of our ancestors by incorporating ‘Tihuanacota’ elements and traditional colors.
Mamani expresses his identity through his extravagant architectural works
DB: Bolivia, like many places around the world, is struggling with climate change and inequality. How do your architectural projects address the interconnectedness of these issues and propose solutions for a more sustainable and just future?
FM: Climate change and inequality have been extremely worrying factors in recent decades. In my projects, I try to incorporate environmentally friendly materials that leave no polluting residue behind. For architecture to be sustainable, we need to use local materials, less energy and reuse the water we build. For architecture to be just, we need laws that are more aligned and coherent with society so that the majority can be prioritized.
flamboyant shapes and colors characterize Mamani’s style
DB: What kinds of elements of native architecture and craftsmanship do you incorporate into your work? Can you explain how this approach not only preserves culture, but also helps repair social and ecological tissues in your community?
FM: The aim is for these buildings to serve as an element for society to interact with their roots and integrate the rural and the urban city.
DB: Can you discuss the role of community involvement and participation in your architectural projects?
FM: People are the most powerful agents of change in this city. My community gives me the opportunity to work freely on my buildings and with them change the city’s ocher color to colorful.
“The goal is for these buildings to serve as an element for society to interact with their roots and integrate rural and urban,” shares the architect.
DB: In the face of ‘global boiling’, what are the most pressing challenges for architects and designers and how can they balance the protection of vulnerable communities with the preservation of the environment?
FM: The challenge is urgent in the face of extreme global warming. We architects must promote and sensitize our clients on the need to adopt sustainable practices. The most vulnerable communities usually respect and care for the environment.
DB: In your experience, what lessons can architects and designers worldwide take away when it comes to infusing cultural identity and history into their work while dealing with pressing contemporary issues?
FM: To my colleagues in architecture, I want to say that every culture and society in the world is different and, to deal with climate change and other globalized issues, we must always respect our history in the face of modernity. We need a more conscious society to deal with today’s global problems.
Mamani is noted for transforming the monochromatic cityscape of El Alto in Bolivia
The Bolivian architect’s style is called Nuevo Andino (New Andes).
the presence of multiple bright colors is evident in both exterior and interior spaces
Mamani’s designs draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and craftsmanship
project information:
name: New Andean architecture in El Alto
architect: Freddy Mama | @freddy_mamani_silvestre
location: El Alto, Bolivia
Event Name: In Focus: Radical Repair
event location: Milan TriennaleMilan, Italy
event date: September 28, 2023
