Chile

Mapuche

Known for their resistance against foreign domination and advanced agricultural systems

Ruka/ruca

Traditional Mapuche house with conical roof. Built for communal living, no windows, and organized around a central fireplace

Chinchorro Culture

Famous for the world’s oldest mummies (5000 BCE)

Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Moai statues and ahu platforms

Ceremonial village of Orongo

with basalt stone houses

Atacama petroglyphs

depicting animals and rituals

San Francisco Church, Santiago (1618)

Adobe and timber with Baroque detailing

La Serena Cathedral

Reflecting Spanish Renaissance and local materials

La Basilica dela Merced

Colonial Baroque elements with adobe

Fort of Niebla of Castillo de Niebla

Spanish military architecture in Chile’s coastline

Palacio de la Moneda (Presidential Palace, 1805)

Neoclassical style symbolizing national stability.

Quinta Normal park and greenhouses

European-inspired public spaces.

The National Congress building

Incorporates Neo-Classical elements reflecting Chile’s aspirations for modernity

CEPAL building (Santiago)

Designed by Emilio Duhart, a hallmark of functional modernism

Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center

A blend of Brutalist and minimalist aesthetics

Pablo Neruda’s houses (La Sebastiana and Isla Negra)

Eclectic designs with maritime motifs.

Valparaíso street art houses

Vibrant and community-driven aesthetics.

The Baháʼí Temple of South America

A modern marvel blending spirituality and innovation.

Casa Poli

A minimalist coastal retreat showcasing harmony with nature.

Huanco Stools

The Mapuche people created simple yet functional stools carved from a single piece of wood, known for their minimalistic design and cultural significance

Sofá Criollo (Creole Sofa)

•Description: A traditional Chilean sofa that blends colonial and rural Chilean influences. This style of sofa is often seen in haciendas or rural estates.

•Unique Features: Sofas are typically made with sturdy wood frames and feature simple, straight lines. The cushions are often filled with natural materials such as wool or straw, and the upholstery may feature handwoven textiles, sometimes with Mapuche patterns.

•Cultural Significance: These sofas are part of the Chilean estilo criollo (Creole style), combining European aesthetics with Indigenous and local craftsmanship. They are designed for durability and comfort in homes that host large families or gatherings.

Cama de Cuero (Leather Bed)

•Description: In southern Chile, where cattle ranching has historically been a major industry, leather was commonly used in furniture, including beds.

•Unique Features: The bed frame is often made of thick, strong wood, with leather as the main material for the headboard or as decorative accents. Leather was chosen for its durability and natural beauty, and the beds often feature simple, sturdy construction.

•Cultural Significance: The use of leather in furniture, including beds, ties into the pastoral and ranching traditions of southern Chile, where leather goods were both functional and decorative.