BIBLIOTECA VIRGILIO BARCO 2010

The Virgilio Barco Library in Bogotá, Colombia, stands as one of the most iconic works by Rogelio Salmona, widely regarded as the most important Colombian architect of the 20th century. Known for his mastery of integrating architecture with nature, Salmona’s design for the library creates a harmonious interplay of spiraling walkways, tranquil water features, and intricate brick and wood elements. This world-class architectural gem was the site of one of our most ambitious and celebrated photographic projects.

After eight months of meticulous planning and coordination with Colombian government officials, my team and I spent five nights on-site, working tirelessly to immortalize the library’s complex features in 10 highly produced photographs. These images aim to reflect not just the physical beauty of Salmona’s design but also its poetic connection to the surrounding landscape. The spiraling geometry of the interior and exterior, paired with the reflections of water and light, provided the perfect canvas for my specialized lighting techniques.

About My Work and the Project
With a career spanning 30 years, my work focuses on capturing architecture in ways that elevate it to art, combining technical precision with creative storytelling. For this project, I employed a combination of ground-based and drone-mounted lighting systems to highlight the library’s architectural details, from the textured brick to the undulating curves of its pathways. The result is a series of images that celebrate Salmona’s vision and his ability to merge modernist principles with Colombia’s cultural and natural heritage.

This project is part of a larger body of work that reflects my passion for architecture, photography, and storytelling. My expertise in lighting and composition has led to unique projects around the world, including the creation of La Foto, an award-winning documentary. This film explores the intersection of photography and storytelling and has been showcased at various film festivals, gaining recognition for its compelling narrative and visual artistry.

Through this project, I aim to honor the legacy of Rogelio Salmona and share the beauty of Colombian architecture with a global audience—bridging the worlds of art, design, and photography.

Watch the behind the scenes here: Behind the scenes video