The stories behind CASACOR Bolivia 2026: professionals reveal inspirations and dreams traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Behind every project, there is a collection of references, memories and desires that do not always appear at first sight. At CASACOR Bolivia 2026, guided by the theme "Mind and Heart", architects and designers were invited to transform emotions into spaces, exploring the home as a place of well-being, connection and meaning.

Josue Arroyo, Mónica Justiniano, Rodrigo Medrano - El Primer Latido. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

After the closing of the largest edition ever held by the show in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, CASACOR brought together some of the authors of projects that marked the season — among them Josue Arroyo, Mónica Justiniano and Rodrigo Medrano, creators of El Primer Latido; María Inés Justiniano, of Galería Bibosi; María José Toledo and Nicolás Calvimontes, leading Grillata; Taynara Wazilewski, author of Casa Ecuestre; Roberto Franco, responsible for Casa Laufen; Eduardo Baldelomar, creator of Casa del Valle; and Patricia Barrón, who signed Mente, Corazón y Cuerpo.

María Inés Justiniano - Galería Bibosi. Ambiente da CASACOR Bolívia 2026. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

In an exclusive ping-pong interview, the professionals share the inspirations behind their projects, reveal the references that guide their creative processes and talk about the dreams and paths that continue to move their careers forward.

María José Toledo e Nicolás Calvimontes - Grillata. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

1. What was the concept that inspired your project at CASACOR Bolivia?

Josue Arroyo: The box office is usually a transitional space, a place where people pass through without stopping. That is why we sought to incorporate elements capable of naturally attracting visitors and transforming this passage point into a meaningful experience. Thus was born the concept of a meeting square, an art gallery inspired by the FIFA World Cup and a longitudinal route that invites a more paused and contemplative experience.

María Inés Justiniano: Galería Bibosi was born from the search for a space that connects nature, art and memory. I was inspired by the bibosi and the motacú (typical trees), elements deeply linked to the landscape and identity of Santa Cruz, as well as by the poetic legacy of Raúl Otero Reiche. The project proposes a journey experience where architecture becomes a means to reconnect with our roots and with the natural surroundings.

María José Toledo: Our inspiration comes from a very personal vision of the home as a place of emotional encounter, where intense and inspiring human feelings happen, such as the act of sharing with loved ones — around food, around the embers, around the fire — to feel happiness, emotion and love. We placed in the project the importance of slowing down, sharing and reconnecting with others.

Taynara Wazilewski: This year, the inspiration for the space was horses and the equestrian world.

Roberto Franco: The challenge was to achieve emotion through simplicity. In a context where everything tends to be more expressive or loaded, my intention was to do the opposite: build a very quiet, more precise experience, but with the same strength. To show that the essential, when well thought out, can be memorable.

Eduardo Baldelomar: Following the theme Mind and Heart, I designed a space that pays tribute to the culture of the people of Vallegrande, bringing elements of architecture, customs, and traditions to propose a fully contemporary country house, but with that old-fashioned air that makes us feel welcomed and nostalgic. Vallegrande is a land of very hardworking people, proud of their culture and with very inspiring stories of overcoming challenges. One of them is that of my father, who left the countryside to seek better days in the city and provide a better future for his children — the space is a tribute to him.

Patricia Barrón: When I chose SPACE 28, it was because of the meaning of the number. The number 28 is considered a perfect number and a symbol of fortune, abundance, and personal success. In numerology, it represents balance, leadership, and perseverance, being frequently associated with the achievement of goals.

Taynara Wazilewski - Casa Ecuestre. Ambiente da CASACOR Bolívia 2026. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

2. How does your project relate to the theme Mind and Heart?

Josue Arroyo: Mind and Heart is a broad concept that allows multiple interpretations. Within this universe, the box office seeks to bring together the different generations that visit the show through a common element: soccer. This choice takes on special relevance in a World Cup year, when this sport awakens shared emotions and memories. At the same time, we incorporate local and traditional references.

María Inés Justiniano: The concept Mind and Heart is present in every decision of the project. The mind brings structure, order, and clarity to the spatial journey, while the heart manifests itself in emotion, memory, and connection with cultural identity. Galería Bibosi seeks to balance both aspects to generate an experience that transcends the visual and becomes a sensitive and meaningful experience.

María José Toledo: Mind and Heart highlights the elements of the human interior and the connection with physical habitability. The sculptural hood, being the main element of the project, represents the mind: the structure, the fixed, the immovable, the functional, and the calculated of the human mind, which illuminates the heart, represented by the barbecue island. These metaphors create a refined, open, and functional space, accompanied by natural elements.

Taynara Wazilewski: When thinking about this year's theme, I was led to reflect on how I could better connect my mind with my heart. This brought back memories of my childhood, a time when I lived daily with horses. I sought to recreate this connection with the animal, which is so majestic and pure "heart", to bring this peace into my life.

Roberto Franco: The mind emerges as the order, the precision, and the clean geometry of the architecture we will present — the technical detail it has, the joints, the encounters of materials, and the alignments. The heart, on the other hand, is represented by the way light enters the project through the trees, by the temperature of the cold material in contrast with the warm color selected to dress the space internally, and by textures with a lot of personality that invite you to stay. The heart is this: the element that will make the project not only be executed correctly, but be memorable.

Eduardo Baldelomar: I sought to bring affective memories, ancestral traits, and organic energy through the use of natural materials that connect us with our origins. The Mind and Heart manifesto invites us to create spaces that become a refuge that recharges our energies and heals us, a house that embraces and comforts us.

Patricia Barrón: Under this concept, this space is born, a place designed as a comprehensive experience where mind, heart, and body converge. The project proposes a conscious pause within the daily rhythm, inviting a disconnection that connects us with the essential. The mind finds its place in the library, a refuge of knowledge, inspiration, and reflection. The heart is activated through cinema, where stories generate emotion, empathy, and connection. And the body expresses itself in yoga, as a practice of balance, presence, and well-being.

Roberto Franco - Tienda Eurochronos. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

3. In general, what are the biggest references that guide your work?

Josue Arroyo: My work is guided by the principles of neuroarchitecture, understanding design as a tool to improve the human experience. More than aesthetics, I seek to create functional, comfortable and sensorially enriching spaces, capable of generating well-being and elevating the quality of life of those who inhabit them. Beauty, in this sense, arises as a natural consequence of a well-conceived design.

María Inés Justiniano: My work is guided by organic architecture, by sensory design and by the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. I find inspiration in nature, in noble materials and in cultural expressions that build identity. I am interested in creating projects that combine functionality, aesthetics and emotion, generating authentic experiences connected to the local context.

María José Toledo: Our main references arise from the observation of nature and the human body itself. We are inspired by the fact that, in nature, almost nothing is completely straight; for this reason, in our projects we seek a balance between straight and curved lines, combining order, fluidity and movement. Beyond aesthetics, we give great importance to aspects such as natural lighting, ventilation and the comfort of those who inhabit the spaces.

Taynara Wazilewski: First of all, the experiences that spaces are capable of generating in people. When designing, I always seek to improve their quality of life. I am also inspired by the balance between aesthetics and functionality, seeking to create projects that convey the identity of their inhabitants. And one of my biggest references is the exploration of textures and materials applied in unexpected ways.

Roberto Franco: More than specific references from architects, I am very much guided by travel, gastronomy, the simplicity and sensitivity of Mediterranean life, and contemporary hospitality.

Eduardo Baldelomar: Five years ago I decided to focus my work on the research of our culture, valuing craftsmanship and with the goal of creating spaces full of identity. I believe that our commitment — as we gain more visibility and have the privilege of being present on international architecture and design platforms — is to study our culture with respect, reinterpret it and communicate it through contemporary proposals.

Patricia Barrón: The general line that I maintain in my work is the certainty that a well-designed space is a necessity for good living and, in itself, a luxury. Over time, I have shaped a sensitive and versatile gaze, where each project seeks to balance functionality, aesthetics and emotion, understanding architecture as a language that accompanies and improves the way we inhabit.

Eduardo Baldelomar - Casa del Valle. Ambiente da CASACOR Bolívia 2026. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

4. What does participating in CASACOR represent in your career?

Josue Arroyo: Being part of CASACOR represents an important professional milestone. It is an experience that brings maturity to my trajectory and drives me to take on new challenges and standards of excellence. Being part of the show means joining a platform recognized internationally for its ability to bring together the most outstanding professionals in design, architecture and landscaping.

María Inés Justiniano: CASACOR represents an opportunity for growth, learning and professional projection. It is a platform that drives creativity, allows sharing a personal vision of design and dialoguing with professionals, brands and visitors. Participating in this show means taking on new challenges and contributing to the construction of spaces that inspire and generate memorable experiences.

María José Toledo: It is an open door for people to get to know not only our work, but our essence as a team, as architects and professionals. CASACOR Bolivia allows us to connect not only with new clients, but also with other professionals, suppliers and brands.

Taynara Wazilewski: Participating in CASACOR represents the opportunity to showcase my work on a platform of great relevance, where each year I can develop more ambitious and challenging proposals. It is an occasion to offer visitors a small sample of the sensations and experiences that a well-designed space can generate. In addition, it is a stage where my style, creativity and design vision can be expressed with complete freedom.

Roberto Franco: CASACOR has been a catapult for my work, a platform and a safe space where I have been able to grow professionally. Today, CASACOR is a way to show the evolution of my work after having participated in nine editions.

Eduardo Baldelomar: I have a beautiful history with CASACOR. First in Bolivia, where I have participated since the beginning over these 13 years, and then in São Paulo, where I am completing my third participation and where I have already set up my architecture office. I have made my name a brand and opportunities have opened up that I am now seizing with the greatest possible responsibility. CASACOR is the largest showcase of design, architecture and landscaping in the Americas and allows us to show our cultural richness as Latinos.

Patricia Barrón: CASACOR represents a platform for professionals, a national showcase that brings together and highlights the talent of our country, giving us the opportunity to show our work both locally and internationally, generating connections and opportunities that drive our growth in the industry.

Patricia Barrón - Espacio 28 - Mente, Corazón y Cuerpo. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)

5. What projects or works do you dream of carrying out, but have not yet had the opportunity?

Josue Arroyo: My career has been marked by a strong interest in urban projects and people-centered design. I would like to develop buildings with high social impact, such as hospitals or schools, where architecture can directly contribute to the well-being of the community. In addition, I dream of designing a large corporate building that becomes an urban landmark and contributes to transforming the skyline of a city.

María Inés Justiniano: I dream of developing large-scale projects where architecture, interior design, landscaping, and art are fully integrated. I would like to design cultural and hospitality spaces that represent contemporary Bolivian identity, capable of generating immersive experiences and leaving an emotional mark on those who visit them.

María José Toledo: More than dreaming of a particular work, we dream that Cavato Arquitectos will cross borders. We aspire for our brand to be present not only nationally, but internationally, developing projects that reflect our essence as a team, as professionals, and our way of understanding and designing architecture.

Taynara Wazilewski: At the moment, I am dreaming of designing an equestrian facility (stable) and I also dream of signing an international project on the beach, facing the sea.

Roberto Franco: I am satisfied to have already carried out many interesting projects with my office, both residential and commercial. But I would say that being part of an airport project is a great dream.

Eduardo Baldelomar: I want to create spaces that narrate the diversity of my country in contemporary proposals, in projects that can be enjoyed by all people. I would love to design a cultural center that integrates spaces such as galleries, auditoriums, a plaza, and a gourmet area.

Patricia Barrón: For me, all my projects are the dream project, since I love and enjoy what I do every minute of the day.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER