Temple of Light in the Andean Foothills

The Bahá’í Temple of South America, or house of worship, in Santiago, Chile, was built more than ten years, and over these years has been awarded numerous awards. In 2017, he received two top awards for innovative design: AIA Innovation Awards and RAIC Innovation in Architecture Award. These awards highlight outstanding achievements in the field of new methods of design and application of advanced construction technologies that allow efficient operation of buildings throughout the life cycle.

Set within the Andean foothills, just beyond the metropolis of Santiago, Chile, the Bahá’í Temple of South America, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, is a domed, luminous structure that echoes the rolling topography of the mountains. Its nine monumental glass veils frame an open and accessible worship space where up to 600 visitors can be accommodated. 

Looking up to the central oculus at the apex of the dome, visitors experience a mesmerizing transfer of light from the exterior of cast glass to an interior of translucent Portuguese marble. At sunset, the light captured within the dome shifts from white to silver to ochre and purple. The Bahá’í Temple of South America uses light for its spiritual and design inspiration. 

Materials provided by the American Institute of Architects
and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

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