Ignacio Larrain

Chilean architect who pioneered modernist public housing in Latin America

Ignacio Larrain (1910-1972) was a visionary Chilean architect whose innovative designs transformed urban living in South America. A graduate of the University of Chile's architecture program, he became a leading figure in the Latin American modernist movement. His most impactful work was the creation of the Villa Grimaldi housing complex in Santiago (1948), which set new standards for affordable urban housing. Explore his projects here.

Larrain's designs emphasized communal spaces and natural lighting, features that became hallmarks of Chilean urban planning. He developed the concept of 'social architecture,' prioritizing accessibility over aesthetics. His 1955 book Architecture for the People argued that good design should be a human right, not a luxury.

Despite political opposition, Larrain completed over 50 public housing projects across Chile, providing homes for 50,000 families. His work influenced similar initiatives in Argentina and Brazil, establishing a blueprint for equitable urban development. The Ignacio Larrain Foundation continues his mission today, training architects in participatory design methods.