The Baha’i Temple of South America in Santiago, Chile, designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects of Toronto was selected as the winner of the 2019 RAIC International Prize, by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Ever since its opening in 2016, The Baha’i Temple of South America has attracted more than 1.4 million visitors. With a design that “aspires to commonality within diversity”, the space holds meaning and peace for everyone. The building has major importance for the Chilean community, hosting community clubs, youth outreach programs, and children’s activities in partnership with public schools. Designed by Canadian firm Hariri Pontarini Architects, the temple has nine wings, that form an oculus at the top. The structure is made from cast-glass panels on the outside, a new material that took four years of experimentation and collaboration with a Canadian glass artisan to refine. The interior is covered with translucent marble from Portugal.
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