Advantages of studying architecture in Chile

Chile is a country full of talented architects. Find out more about the advantages of studying architecture in this South American country.

Architecture is the ideal degree for those interested in designing buildings, contributing to the development of their communities, and ensuring a harmonious balance between man-made structures and nature. Aspiring architects should have artistic skills, analytical capabilities and creativity when it comes to identifying solutions to improve architectural environments in harmony with their surroundings. Architects must also develop functional ideas arising from the interpretation of a community or city’s expectations and needs.

If you are an inquisitive and curious person, studying architecture in Chile is a great choice. You will have no shortage of projects to work on, incorporating elements from other disciplines such as philosophy, economics and social work. It’s not just about designing beautiful structures, but also functional constructions in line with the lifestyle and cultural expectations of individuals, communities and cities. What is the point of designing a huge apartment complex if it is not suitable for those who live in it?

Architecture is a long and complicated degree, but it is worth persisting and successfully graduating. Keep in mind that a good construction can have a direct effect on society’s wellbeing, and as such your creations have the potential to make a major impact and remain over time.

What are the advantages of studying architecture in Chile?

Architecture in Chile

Chile is one of the countries with the highest levels of seismic activity in the world. This constitutes an additional challenge when it comes to architectural design and project development. Studying architecture in Chile provides you the additional benefit of having the necessary knowledge to find architectural solutions for cities that are subject to seismic activity.

According to the Chilean Association of Architecture Firms, Chile is a global leader in the implementation of anti-seismic technology, together with the United States, New Zealand and Japan. In the last five years alone, there have been earthquakes above 8.0 on the Richter scale, without a major impact on the country’s infrastructure due to construction regulations that have been implemented in order to protect human life in the face of seismic activity.

Famous Chilean architects

During your stay in Chile, you will have the opportunity to learn more from the most successful Chilean architects and their works. In 2016, Alejandro Aravena, from Santiago, became the first Latin American in the last 10 years to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most important architecture award in the world. “Alejandro Aravena has pioneered a collaborative practice that produces powerful works of architecture and also addresses key challenges of the 21st century. His built work gives economic opportunity to the less privileged, mitigates the effects of natural disasters, reduces energy consumption, and provides welcoming public space”, said Tom Pritzker, Chairman and President of the Hyatt Foundation, which sponsors the prize.

Other globally renowned Chilean architects include Cecilia Puga, Smiljan Radic, Sebastián Irarrázaval and Mathías Klotz.

A range of options

You can study architecture at 33 universities in Chile, choosing between any of the 48 programs offered. In 2016, there were a total of 12,202 architecture students in the country, according to the university ranking published by Chilean publication Emol. The duration of architecture degree programs is between 15.5 to 20 semesters.

Annual tuition fees range between CLP 2,430,000 and 5,370,000, with an average tuition fee of CLP 3,500,000.

Don’t miss the opportunity to study architecture in Chile, and learn from the best architects in the country.