For Chilean architect and urban planner Soledad Parra, the path to architecture was deeply personal. Growing up in Parral, a mid-sized city of approximately 41,000 residents, she experienced firsthand the benefits of a walkable, close-knit community. Her parents’ dedication to public service—her mother as a teacher and her father as a community leader—inspired her to pursue a career that combines technical expertise with a commitment to societal well-being.
Championing Intermediate Cities: The Heart of Regional Development
Parra’s academic pursuits led her to the University of Talca, where she earned her degree in architecture in 2008. Her passion for regional development deepened during her Master’s in Urban Project Management at the University of Viña del Mar, culminating in a thesis titled “Strategic Urban Planning in Intermediate Cities.”
She emphasizes the unique dynamics of intermediate cities—urban areas with fewer than one million inhabitants that serve as regional hubs. Unlike Chile’s major metropolitan centers like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción, these cities often consist of a central urban area surrounded by interconnected smaller communities. Parra believes that understanding and strengthening these networks is crucial for balanced national development
Designing with People: A Participatory Approach
For Soledad Parra, sustainable urban development is impossible without the direct involvement of the people who live in the spaces being designed. She firmly believes that architecture and city planning must be built on open dialogue with communities — this is the only way to create environments where people truly feel at home.
Here are the core principles of her approach:
- Listen and Engage – Every decision should reflect the voices of those who will use and inhabit the space.
- Transparency in Process – Residents deserve to understand how urban planning decisions are made and who is involved.
- Flexibility and Adaptability – Projects should be responsive to feedback and evolve at every stage of development.
- Support for Local Identity – All transformations must respect and preserve the cultural and social fabric of the community.
- Education Through Participation – Involving people in the design process helps raise awareness and fosters a deeper understanding of how cities grow and change.
This philosophy transforms citizens from passive observers into active participants in shaping their environment. According to Parra, this sense of shared responsibility is the foundation of true belonging and long-term sustainability.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation
For Soledad Parra, architecture is not just about building the new — it’s about creating a meaningful link between the past and the future. In her work, she seeks to preserve the cultural and historical essence of a place while introducing modern solutions that address current needs and challenges.
Parra believes that innovation should enhance, not erase, tradition. Her projects often integrate local materials, traditional construction techniques, and architectural styles with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design principles. This fusion results in spaces that feel both contemporary and deeply rooted in their environment.
By honoring heritage and embracing progress, she creates designs that tell a story — one that reflects the identity of the community while opening doors to its future. In this way, tradition becomes a foundation for innovation, not an obstacle to it.
A Vision for Inclusive Urban Futures
Soledad Parra’s work underscores the significance of human-scale urban planning that prioritizes community engagement and regional identity. Her approach serves as a model for developing cities worldwide, demonstrating that inclusive, participatory design can lead to more resilient and vibrant urban environments.