Boroló: Reinterpreting Bogotá's Historic Fabric Through Housing Design
AR-AR Martínez and María Paula González blend traditional architecture with contemporary language.
1Project Location and Context
The Boroló project is located in Bogotá's Teusaquillo neighborhood, known for its historic brick architecture and vibrant cultural dynamics. Spanning 5,200 square meters, this residential complex aims to preserve the area's traditional character while offering modern living standards. The design responds to the central urban identity of Colombia's capital city.
2Architectural Approach
Led by AR-AR Martínez Arquitectura y Paisaje and María Paula González Bozzi, the project reinterprets Bogotá's traditional neighborhood architecture through contemporary design. Brick emerges as the dominant material, connecting the complex to local heritage. The design balances historical preservation with modern functionality, contributing to the sustainable evolution of the city's architectural identity.
3Design Team Collaboration
The design team includes María Paula González, Manuela Eble Cárdenas, and Jesús Alfonso Fiallo Arango, with contributions from Fiallo Atelier. This interdisciplinary collaboration combines local materials and construction techniques with modern technologies. The team's approach demonstrates deep respect for the region's architectural legacy while pushing design boundaries.
4Spatial Organization
Boroló features an urban layout that harmonizes with the neighborhood fabric. The project carefully balances communal spaces with private residential units, integrating green areas and social interaction spaces within the dense urban context. This spatial strategy aims to enhance the quality of urban living while maintaining community connections.
5Material Selection
Brick serves as the primary construction material, referencing the area's traditional architectural character. Its contemporary application creates a distinctive aesthetic identity for the project. Material choices also consider energy efficiency and durability, demonstrating how traditional materials can meet modern performance requirements.
6Urban Impact
Boroló contributes to Bogotá's central urban transformation process. The project promotes urban renewal while preserving historic fabric, aiming to improve living conditions for neighborhood residents. Such developments provide important models for sustainable urban growth in Latin American cities facing similar challenges.
7Technical Specifications
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the 5,200-square-meter complex is being developed under the leadership of Carlos Alberto Martínez Valencia. Photographer Juan Piñeros will document the project. The design process combines digital modeling tools with traditional techniques, reflecting a hybrid approach to contemporary architectural practice.
8Future of Architectural Heritage
The Boroló project demonstrates how contemporary living standards can coexist with architectural heritage preservation. Such initiatives play a crucial role in the sustainable evolution of urban identity. The innovative combination of traditional materials and forms points toward a promising future for Latin American architecture that honors its past while embracing innovation.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Boroló: Bogotá'da Tarihi Dokuyu Yorumlayan Konut Projesi