Hariri Pontarini Architects has grown to become one of the most successful and respected architecture firms operating in Canada, with a wide portfolio of award-winning works at home and abroad. Led by founding principals Siamak Hariri and David Pontarini, the firm stands at the forefront of Toronto's high-rise renaissance, and has become well known for their handsome designs which have garnered numerous awards. 

In addition to their wide body of local work, Hariri Pontarini is also making a name for itself on the international stage thanks to projects like the Siamak Hariri-designed Bahá'í Temple of South America, currently slated for 2016 completion on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile.

Construction of the Bahá'í Temple of South America, image courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

The project will be celebrated with an exhibition at Ryerson University's Paul Cocker H. Gallery at 325 Church Street, kicking off on October 29th at 6:30 PM with a Siamak Hariri talk entitled Embodied Light: Physical and Digital Explorations of the Bahá’í Temple of South America, to be followed by a reception at 7:30 PM. The lecture will provide insight on the complex design, fabrication, and construction process of the religious institutional building, and the challenges associated with it.

Construction of the Bahá'í Temple of South America, image courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

The Bahá’í Temple has been designed to respond to its picturesque location at the foot of the Andes, an extremely active seismic zone that presents its own unique set of engineering challenges. Consisting of nine identical wing-like shells outfitted with several thousand custom-cast glass panels, the exterior of the house of worship will cover the building's structural steel frame. Inside, visitors will be welcomed by the computer-cut and carved, translucent marble and stone interior that allows naural light to penetrate into the space.

Bahá'í Temple of South America, image courtesy of Hariri Pontarini Architects

The design of the structure employed cutting-edge technology, engineering solutions, material innovation, and computerized fabrication methods, highlighting the constant evolution of the architecture industry as technology opens new doors for design possibilities.

Siamak Hariri's work can be found all over southern Ontario, with a portfolio that includes the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University, the Integrated Health Sciences Campus in Kitchener, and the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Weston Family Learning Centre. Another notable project designed by Hariri is the Canadian headquarters for McKinsey & Company, which is currently the youngest building to receive heritage landmark designation from the City of Toronto. 

The Bahá’í Temple of South America exhibition will run from October 29 until until November 13, 2015 in Ryerson University's Paul Cocker H. Gallery at 325 Church Street. The exhibition is opening during Ryerson's operating hours and is free to visit.