de la choza a la losa
artistic research: photography, film, illustration
In a small fold of the Andes, the indigenous community La Rinconada is undergoing a transformation. The community, routines, and even the houses don’t seem to be the same as before.
„de la choza a la losa“ is an interdisciplinary artistic investigation bridging anthropology and architecture from an ethnographic perspective. Initiated in 2020 as a master’s thesis, it was later continued by the artistic duo Larva (Angelina Thierer & Nicolás Gómez Herrera) in collaboration with the La Rinconada community. Through construction as a process, housing as an object, and dwelling as a phenomenon, the project explores the transformation of La Rinconada’s architectural typologies from the voices of its creators.
Like more than 80% of dwellings worldwide, the architectural typologies in La Rinconada are self-produced by its own residents. This self-managed architecture, known as vernacular architecture, ranges from ancient construction methods using natural materials to modern forms made with industrial resources. Due to its nature, the construction process intertwines with the act of dwelling, making vernacular architecture a complex phenomenon. Oral transmission of knowledge often leads to information loss and transformation over time, a process accelerated by colonialism, racism, migration, industrialization, and climate change.
While traditionally overlooked as a field of study, vernacular architecture has recently gained interest for its sustainable qualities. However, this appreciation often focuses narrowly on material aspects, neglecting the sociocultural dimensions, the relationship with the territory, and the recognition of its creators.
„de la choza a la losa“ aims to understand these transformations beyond the material, delving into the intangible, and highlighting individual and family narratives. The project is structured around five main themes: the territory, the creators, the construction, the dwelling, and the concept of the ‘perpetual hybrid.’
Active participation from community members of various ages and genders was central to the project, with interviews, daily interactions, and workshops serving as key methods. This collaboration allowed the reconstruction of nearly extinct typologies, the origins of the materials used, and past traditions surrounding the construction of new homes. The documentation combines graphic and audiovisual media, providing a richer, more immersive narrative. For example, cartographic records come to life when paired with images and sounds of the landscape.
An extensive archive was created during the intensive registration phase, including digital and analog photography, audiovisual recordings, architectural plans, sketches, and transcribed interviews. This body of work culminated in a 20-minute documentary short film. A fundamental goal of the project is to return the material to the community while also promoting broader reflection on and appreciation of vernacular architecture.
The short film premiered at EDOC in Quito in late 2023 and is currently touring global festivals such as Kanua in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Bogoshorts in Colombia, Mirada Corta in Mexico City, Ethnografilm in Paris, Festival de Cine Etnográfico de Ecuador and Muestra Cine + Video Indígena, Chile . The tour is expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, funds and infrastructure are being sought for a multimedia exhibition featuring analog photographs, multi-channel videos, architectural illustrations, maps, and a printed book compiling all the documented material. This exhibition aims to present the complete work, fostering a dialogue between audiovisual, graphic, and written formats. The graphic and written material remains in the editing phase, requiring at least six more months of work and additional funding for publication.
status: partialy published
year: 2021-
location: La Rinconada, EC
team: LARVA (Angelina Thierer & Nicolás Gómez Herrera)
de la choza a la losa
artistic research: photography, film, illustration
In a small fold of the Andes, the indigenous community La Rinconada is undergoing a transformation. The community, routines, and even the houses don’t seem to be the same as before.
„de la choza a la losa“ is an interdisciplinary artistic investigation bridging anthropology and architecture from an ethnographic perspective. Initiated in 2020 as a master’s thesis, it was later continued by the artistic duo Larva (Angelina Thierer & Nicolás Gómez Herrera) in collaboration with the La Rinconada community. Through construction as a process, housing as an object, and dwelling as a phenomenon, the project explores the transformation of La Rinconada’s architectural typologies from the voices of its creators.
Like more than 80% of dwellings worldwide, the architectural typologies in La Rinconada are self-produced by its own residents. This self-managed architecture, known as vernacular architecture, ranges from ancient construction methods using natural materials to modern forms made with industrial resources. Due to its nature, the construction process intertwines with the act of dwelling, making vernacular architecture a complex phenomenon. Oral transmission of knowledge often leads to information loss and transformation over time, a process accelerated by colonialism, racism, migration, industrialization, and climate change.
While traditionally overlooked as a field of study, vernacular architecture has recently gained interest for its sustainable qualities. However, this appreciation often focuses narrowly on material aspects, neglecting the sociocultural dimensions, the relationship with the territory, and the recognition of its creators.
„de la choza a la losa“ aims to understand these transformations beyond the material, delving into the intangible, and highlighting individual and family narratives. The project is structured around five main themes: the territory, the creators, the construction, the dwelling, and the concept of the ‘perpetual hybrid.’
Active participation from community members of various ages and genders was central to the project, with interviews, daily interactions, and workshops serving as key methods. This collaboration allowed the reconstruction of nearly extinct typologies, the origins of the materials used, and past traditions surrounding the construction of new homes. The documentation combines graphic and audiovisual media, providing a richer, more immersive narrative. For example, cartographic records come to life when paired with images and sounds of the landscape.
An extensive archive was created during the intensive registration phase, including digital and analog photography, audiovisual recordings, architectural plans, sketches, and transcribed interviews. This body of work culminated in a 20-minute documentary short film. A fundamental goal of the project is to return the material to the community while also promoting broader reflection on and appreciation of vernacular architecture.
The short film premiered at EDOC in Quito in late 2023 and is currently touring global festivals such as Kanua in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Bogoshorts in Colombia, Mirada Corta in Mexico City, Ethnografilm in Paris, Festival de Cine Etnográfico de Ecuador and Muestra Cine + Video Indígena, Chile . The tour is expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, funds and infrastructure are being sought for a multimedia exhibition featuring analog photographs, multi-channel videos, architectural illustrations, maps, and a printed book compiling all the documented material. This exhibition aims to present the complete work, fostering a dialogue between audiovisual, graphic, and written formats. The graphic and written material remains in the editing phase, requiring at least six more months of work and additional funding for publication.
„de la choza a la losa“ is an interdisciplinary artistic investigation bridging anthropology and architecture from an ethnographic perspective. Initiated in 2020 as a master’s thesis, it was later continued by the artistic duo Larva (Angelina Thierer & Nicolás Gómez Herrera) in collaboration with the La Rinconada community. Through construction as a process, housing as an object, and dwelling as a phenomenon, the project explores the transformation of La Rinconada’s architectural typologies from the voices of its creators.
Like more than 80% of dwellings worldwide, the architectural typologies in La Rinconada are self-produced by its own residents. This self-managed architecture, known as vernacular architecture, ranges from ancient construction methods using natural materials to modern forms made with industrial resources. Due to its nature, the construction process intertwines with the act of dwelling, making vernacular architecture a complex phenomenon. Oral transmission of knowledge often leads to information loss and transformation over time, a process accelerated by colonialism, racism, migration, industrialization, and climate change.
While traditionally overlooked as a field of study, vernacular architecture has recently gained interest for its sustainable qualities. However, this appreciation often focuses narrowly on material aspects, neglecting the sociocultural dimensions, the relationship with the territory, and the recognition of its creators.
„de la choza a la losa“ aims to understand these transformations beyond the material, delving into the intangible, and highlighting individual and family narratives. The project is structured around five main themes: the territory, the creators, the construction, the dwelling, and the concept of the ‘perpetual hybrid.’
Active participation from community members of various ages and genders was central to the project, with interviews, daily interactions, and workshops serving as key methods. This collaboration allowed the reconstruction of nearly extinct typologies, the origins of the materials used, and past traditions surrounding the construction of new homes. The documentation combines graphic and audiovisual media, providing a richer, more immersive narrative. For example, cartographic records come to life when paired with images and sounds of the landscape.
An extensive archive was created during the intensive registration phase, including digital and analog photography, audiovisual recordings, architectural plans, sketches, and transcribed interviews. This body of work culminated in a 20-minute documentary short film. A fundamental goal of the project is to return the material to the community while also promoting broader reflection on and appreciation of vernacular architecture.
The short film premiered at EDOC in Quito in late 2023 and is currently touring global festivals such as Kanua in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Bogoshorts in Colombia, Mirada Corta in Mexico City, Ethnografilm in Paris, Festival de Cine Etnográfico de Ecuador and Muestra Cine + Video Indígena, Chile . The tour is expected to conclude by the end of 2024.
Looking ahead, funds and infrastructure are being sought for a multimedia exhibition featuring analog photographs, multi-channel videos, architectural illustrations, maps, and a printed book compiling all the documented material. This exhibition aims to present the complete work, fostering a dialogue between audiovisual, graphic, and written formats. The graphic and written material remains in the editing phase, requiring at least six more months of work and additional funding for publication.
status: partialy published
year: 2021-
location: La Rinconada, EC
location: La Rinconada, EC
team: LARVA (Angelina Thierer & Nicolás Gómez Herrera)