Bolivian Architects

Bolivia is a geographically and socially diverse country and this is reflected in Bolivian architecture. The Andean areas of the country have many stone buildings, whereas the hotter Amazonian parts make use of the rainforest’s timber resources for construction.

Then of course there are the big cities such as Sucre and La Paz, who have followed European and North American architectural styles in building high rise tower blocks and skyscrapers. In modern times, this type of construction is much more common in Bolivia, as urban migration from the rural areas is occurring. In many towns and cities, everything is based around a central plaza, as in the European model.

As with Bolivian art, the combination of the colonial Spanish styles and the work of Bolivian architects created a unique ‘mestizo baroque’ style. The country’s churches often incorporate symbols of indigenous culture and Bolivia’s native fauna and flora into the design. Famous Bolivian architects include Emilio Villanueva Peñaranda, who was responsible for many of the important buildings in La Paz.

Many Bolivian buildings have been designed according to their purpose and surroundings, the resources available and the people who will use them. Remains of Incan architecture in Bolivia are a popular tourist attraction and Colonial architecture is also prominent, particularly in Sucre.