Chile has awarded its 2026 National Architecture Prize to internationally acclaimed architects Alejandro Aravena and Smiljan Radić, marking a historic moment for the country’s architectural community. Announced on 27 July 2026 by the Colegio de Arquitectos de Chile (Chilean Institute of Architects), the award recognizes the pair’s outstanding contributions to architecture in Chile and their role in elevating Chilean design on the global stage.
The decision was made unanimously by the five-member National Board of the Colegio de Arquitectos after reviewing a shortlist prepared by the institution’s Search Committee. The organization praised both architects for producing work deeply rooted in Chile’s landscape, culture, and society while simultaneously shaping international architectural discourse.
The National Architecture Prize is Chile’s highest professional distinction for registered architects. Established in 1969, the award recognizes an architect or team of architects for an exceptional career, ethical practice, and lasting contribution to the profession through built work, public service, academia, or professional leadership. Since 1979, it has been presented every two years.
Two Pritzker Laureates, One Historic Recognition
The 2026 edition is particularly significant because it honors two architects who have each received architecture’s highest international accolade, the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
Alejandro Aravena, founder of ELEMENTAL, received the Pritzker Prize in 2016 for redefining social housing through participatory design and incremental housing strategies that have influenced urban development worldwide. His projects, including the Quinta Monroy Housing and UC Innovation Center, have demonstrated how architecture can address inequality while maintaining high design quality.
Smiljan Radić, awarded the 2026 Pritzker Prize, is celebrated for his poetic, experimental architecture that blends sculptural forms with landscape and material innovation. His internationally recognized works include the 2014 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London, the Regional Theatre of Biobío, and the VIK Winery in Chile.
With this recognition, two architects whose distinct approaches have collectively expanded the international visibility of Chilean architecture over the past two decades.
Celebrating Chile’s Architectural Legacy
According to the Colegio de Arquitectos, the award acknowledges not only the excellence of Aravena’s and Radić’s individual careers but also a defining moment for Chilean architecture. Their work demonstrates that architecture can remain deeply connected to local culture and territory while influencing architectural thinking worldwide.
The announcement also highlights growing prominence in global architecture. With Aravena winning the Pritzker Prize in 2016 and Radić becoming its 2026 laureate, it emerged as one of the few nations to produce multiple recipients of the profession’s most prestigious honor.
The dual recognition reflects the diversity of contemporary Chilean architecture from Aravena’s socially driven and pragmatic urban interventions to Radić’s imaginative, landscape-inspired designs, underscoring the country’s continued influence on architectural practice worldwide.
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