Simon Velez is a Colombian architect who has created his own space in world architecture especially for his innovative use of guadua, a type of bamboo native to Colombia. Born in 1949 in the city of Manizales, in the heart of the Colombian coffee-growing region, Velez grew up in a mountainous environment where the exuberant nature and traditional constructions of his region had a profound influence on him from an early age.
This intimate contact with the natural and cultural richness of the Colombian coffee-growing region was key in the formation of his architectural vision, which is characterized by a profound respect for natural materials and traditional construction techniques. In 2009 he won the Prince Claus Award in the Netherlands, in the Principal category, and in 2016 he participated in the Venice Architecture Biennale. He is the son and grandson of architects and has designed buildings in eleven countries.
Origins of Simon Velez, Colombia’s bamboo architect
Simon Velez comes from a family of architects and engineers. His grandfather, one of the first civil engineers in Colombia, and his father, also an architect, were influential figures in his life. Velez studied architecture at the prestigious Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota, where he was trained in traditional architectural techniques, but it was also there that he began to question conventional construction methods, driven by his curiosity and inclination to explore alternative materials.
It was during his youth that Velez discovered the potential of guadua, a species of bamboo that grows abundantly in the tropical areas of Colombia. Although guadua had traditionally been used by indigenous and peasant communities to build houses and bridges, it was considered a humble and not very durable material by architects of the time.
However, Velez saw in it a sustainable and versatile resource that, with the right techniques, could be used to build structures of great size and beauty. His revolutionary approach lies in having perfected a technique that combines guadua with other materials, such as cement and steel, to create strong and durable structures.
The key to his technique is the use of mortar and steel connections instead of traditional nails or screws, which allows the structures to support greater loads and be more resistant to environmental factors such as humidity and earthquakes.
First works of the bamboo architect in Colombia
In his first projects, Velez demonstrated the potential of guadua for larger projects and opened the door to new possibilities in sustainable architecture. In this way, guadua could not only compete with conventional materials such as concrete or steel, but also offered other advantages in terms of sustainability, cost and aesthetics.
The process of preparing guadua for architectural use begins with the selection of mature canes, generally 4 to 6 years old, to ensure maximum strength. They are then cut during the waning moon phase to minimize insect attack. The canes are then subjected to a preservation treatment, which may include curing by immersion in chemical solutions or the application of heat. This process eliminates starch and other compounds that could attract pests and reduces humidity, preventing deformation.
Once treated, the guadua is properly dried, which can take weeks. Finally, it is cut and adapted according to the specific needs of the architectural project.
One of his most notable works is the Capilla de la Colina, located in the tourist town of Barichara, Colombia. This chapel, built atop a hill with panoramic views of the Andes, combines guadua with stone and other local materials to create a sacred space that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape.
Also, at one of the exits of Bogota, Velez built in 2003 the Jenny Garzon Bridge, a civil work weighing 130 tons, 45 meters long and 3 meters wide. Reinforced with steel, it is the largest guadua structure of its kind in the world.
International recognition of Simon Velez the bamboo architect’s works in other countries
Throughout his career, he has worked on projects in several countries, making his mark in Latin America, Asia and Europe. In this regard, Velez has designed structures in India, Mexico, China and France, among other countries.
In India, for example, Velez collaborated in the construction of the Auroville Bamboo Centre Dome, a space dedicated to the research and promotion of bamboo as a building material. This dome is yet another example of Velez’s commitment to the dissemination of bamboo and bamboo as sustainable alternatives in architecture at the international level.
In France, he designed an impressive guadua structure at the International Garden Festival in Chaumont-sur-Loire. This temporary installation stood out for its creativity and innovative use of bamboo, which was perfectly integrated into the natural landscape of the festival. In addition, in that European country he has been invited four consecutive years by the Vitra Design Museum and the George Pompidou Center to give workshops in Paris, where as a learning exercise he built guadua structures.
In Mexico, the Colombian built the Bamboo Pavilion in Jojutla, Morelos, a structure that serves as a community space. This project is emblematic of his approach to socially conscious and ecologically responsible architecture.
The Zeri Pavilion, from Hannover to Manizales
One of his most emblematic projects is the Zeri Pavilion (Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives) built for Expo 2000 in Hannover, Germany. This monumental structure, built almost entirely of guadua, was tangible proof that this material could be used to create buildings of great scale and complexity, challenging conventional notions of modern architecture.
Its 1,300 square meters showcased during Expo 2000 initiatives focused on sustainability and zero-emission technologies, aligned with ZERI’s mission. In addition, the pavilion was a hub for activities and presentations promoting ecological balance and innovation in natural resource management.
The Zeri Pavilion is a circular construction, therefore it has no beginning and no end. It is open and unobstructed. It symbolizes a universally accessible organization that incorporates concepts and technologies that are applicable anywhere and available to everyone.This work is an iconic example of Velez’s approach to sustainable architecture, where the integration of local materials and respect for the natural environment are fundamental.
The pavilion, which became a landmark at Expo 2000, was not only an architectural achievement but also a symbol of the potential of sustainable architecture to address the environmental needs of the 21st century. The work is currently being reconstructed in its Colombian hometown of Manizales.
Legacy and future of Simon Velez
Simon Velez has managed to captivate interest internationally for his innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, which has made him a reference figure in contemporary architecture.
His legacy goes beyond the structures he has built; it lies in the revaluation of a material that has long been undervalued. Through his work, he has shown that architecture can be both beautiful and sustainable, and that traditional materials can offer solutions to modern problems.
Velez continues to be a source of inspiration for architects and designers around the world. His work invites us to reconsider the human relationship with natural materials and to explore new ways of building that are in harmony with the planet. At a time when sustainability is more crucial than ever, Velez’s vision is a different proposition and a reminder that architecture can, and must, play a central role in building a more equitable and ecologically responsible future.