'we have to respect history in the face of modernity'

Freddy Mamani joins In Focus: Radical Repair at triennale milano

On September 28, 2023, Triennale di Milano, a museum of art and design in the Parco Sempione in Milan and one of the world’s leading cultural institutions, hosts In Focus: Radical Repair. The event invites interdisciplinary designers to reflect on architecture’s role in the current climate crisis and its potential to create radical forms of repair. Organized by The World Around and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, the public program includes a line-up of famed figures from around the world, including Yasmeen Lari, Joseph Grima, Jeanne Gang, Junya Ishigami, Lu Wenyu, Paul Elvis Tangem, Aziba Ekio and Freddy Mamani.

Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani is renowned for his vibrant Neo Andina (New Andean) style, which has transformed the monochromatic cityscape of El Alto (see designboom’s previous coverage here). Mamani took the floor to discuss his iconic creations that boast extravagant designs and colors inspired by indigenous traditions and craftsmanship, breathing 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 the In Focus: Radical Repair event 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 BOLIVIAN ARCHITECT 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