Catching the Spirit

Author: Germán del Sol
Photos: Guy Wenborne

The Atacama is the driest desert in the world. Near the village of San Pedro de Atacama, Chilean architect Germán del Sol designed and built the Hotel explora in 1998, which subtly revives pre-Columbian traditions. A simple interior design borrows from local farm houses. Wide-span roofs offer the guests shady retreats everywhere. But the extremes of the landscape remain a part of the overall atmosphere. In his poetic essay in the current archithese issue about Chile, the architect offers insights into his work, explaining how he tries to bring landscape and architecture into a close relationship.

> Order architheses Chile-issue now! Click here to get to the web-shop.

> architheses popular volume about hotel strategies is sold out, but you can order a pdf.