Aravena

Aravena is a surname of Chilean and generally Spanish-language origin, commonly found in Chile and other Spanish-speaking countries. As a family name, it has appeared in various professions and public life.

Alejandro Aravena (born 1967) is a Chilean architect who co-founded the architectural firm Elemental. His work focuses on social housing, urban integration, and participatory design. Elemental is known for projects that combine cost efficiency with community engagement. One of his best-known works is the Quinta Monroy Housing project in Iquique, Chile, which explored affordable housing strategies by enabling residents to complete their homes progressively.

In recognition of his contributions to architecture, Aravena was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 2016, often described as the profession's highest honor. The award highlighted his approach to design that emphasizes social impact, collaboration with residents, and scalable, incremental building strategies.

The surname Aravena may be encountered in media and academia, but it is most prominently associated with Chilean architecture through Alejandro Aravena.