‘we have to respect history in the face of modernity’: freddy mamani on architecture and heritage

Freddy Mamani joins In Focus: Radical Repair at triennale milano

 

On September 28, 2023, Triennale Milano hosted In Focus: Radical Repair, a public program inviting interdisciplinary designers to reflect on architecture’s historical responsibility for the current climate crisis and to ask what role it can play in creating, inventing, and implementing radical forms of repair. Organized by The World Around and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, the event aiming to redefine the way we look at architecture, included a line-up of renowned figures from around the world, including Bolivian self-taught architect Freddy Mamani.

 

Noted for his transformation of the monochromatic cityscape of El Alto in Bolivia with his vibrant and flamboyant Nuevo Andino (New Andean) style (see designboom’s previous coverage here), Mamani took the floor to discuss his creations that draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and craftsmanship to breathe life, culture, and history into the urban environment. For deeper insights into the fusion of architecture and heritage, designboom had the opportunity to attend Mamani’s speech at In Focus: Radical Repair and engage in a conversation with him. Read the interview in full below.

Freddy Mamani’s vibrant architecture in El Alto | all images courtesy of Yuri Segalerba 

 

 

interview with Freddy Mamani

 

designboom (DB): What is the focus of your participation at the In Focus: Radical Repair event?

 

Freddy Mamani (FM): I want to show my identity through architecture. With my participation in In Focus: Radical Repair, I want to showcase that in South America exists a strong culture tied to its ancestral roots.

 

 

DB: In your work, you’ve imbued the city of El Alto and other places across Bolivia with culture, color, and personality. How does your approach contribute to the concept of radical repair?

 

FM: We have contributed to filling a radical void within the urban landscape by creating buildings that help the current 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, grapples with climate change and inequality. How do your architectural projects address the interconnectedness of these issues and propose solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future?

 

FM: Climate change and inequality have been extremely worrying factors in the past few decades. In my projects, I try to incorporate materials that are friendly to the environment and don’t leave polluting debris behind. In order for architecture to be sustainable, we need to utilize local materials, less energy, and reuse the water we put into construction. In order for architecture to be equitable, 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 kind of elements of indigenous architecture and crafts do you incorporate in your work? Can you elaborate on how this approach not only preserves culture but also aids in repairing social and ecological fabrics within your community?

 

FM:  The goal is for these buildings to serve as an element for society to interact with their roots and integrate rurality and urbanity.

 

 

DB: Can you discuss the role of community involvement and engagement in your architectural projects?

 

FM: People are the strongest agents of change in this city. My community gives me the opportunity to freely work on my buildings and with them, change the ochre color of the city to a colorful one.

‘the goal is for these buildings to serve as an element for society to interact with their roots and integrate rurality and urbanity,’ the architect shares

 

 

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 environmental conservation?
 

FM: The challenge is urgent in the face of extreme global warming. We architects have to promote and make our customers aware of the need to adopt sustainable practices. The most vulnerable communities are usually respectful and caring towards the environment.

 

DB: From your experience, what lessons can architects and designers worldwide learn when it comes to infusing cultural identity and history into their work while addressing urgent contemporary issues?

 

FM: To my architecture peers, I want to say that each culture and society in the world is different and, in order to deal with climate change and other globalized issues, we have to always respect our history in the face of modernity. We need a more conscious society in order to deal with modern world problems.

Mamani is noted for his transformation of the monochromatic cityscape of El Alto in Bolivia

the Bolivian architect’s style is called Nuevo Andino (New Andean)

the presence of multiple bright colors is evident in both exteriors and interiors

Mamani’s designs draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and craftsmanship

 

 

project info: 

 

name: New Andean architecture in El Alto
architect: Freddy Mamani | @freddy_mamani_silvestre
location: El Alto, Bolivia

event name: In Focus: Radical Repair
event location: Triennale di Milano, Milan, Italy
event date: 28 September 2023