Monoblock Building, University building in La Paz, Bolivia

The Monoblock Building is a university building on Avenida Villazón in La Paz, completed in 1947 and designed by Emilio Villanueva in the neo-Tiwanaku current, with art deco influence and elements drawn from Tiwanaku culture. It was the city's first high-rise and houses classrooms, administrative offices and the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés central library.

Rector Héctor Ormachea Zalles secured the former Colegio Militar grounds on today's Avenida Villazón for the UMSA in 1937, for five million dollars. Architect Emilio Villanueva, rector in 1929, had planned the site as a university campus. The building was finished in 1947.

This building serves as the main meeting point for students and faculty across all disciplines at the university. Daily classes, library use, and informal gatherings shape how the institution functions and connects its community.

The building is centrally located on Villazon Avenue, making it accessible on foot or by public transport. Keep in mind that access to certain areas like administrative offices or the library may be limited during university holidays and between semesters.

The Monoblock was the first high-rise in La Paz, finished in 1947. Its neo-Tiwanaku classification, with art deco touches, comes from Emilio Villanueva, who was rector of UMSA in 1929 and designed the building as part of a university campus. Look for Tiwanaku-inspired motifs on the facade.