Looking inwards. Conversing with Carlos Villagómez about Bolivian Architecture and Its Global Presence

Abstract

This piece transcribes an interview with Carlos Villagómez, a multifaceted architect and one of the last of a generation that contributed significantly to academic thought in Bolivia. The conversation addresses three central issues: the state of academia in Bolivian architecture, Bolivia’s absence in the international architectural scene, and teaching methods in the Faculty of Architecture at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. Villagómez reflects on the changes in the teaching of architecture over time and how the gap between society and architects has widened in recent decades. He criticizes the elitist view of Western architecture and promotes a cultural understanding of architecture. He highlights the importance of valuing Bolivian architectural richness and its creative potential. He also underscores the need to reconsider educational methods and adapt to the complex reality of a country where cultural crossbreeding is in question.