Alejandro Aravena urges School of Architecture and Planning graduates to lead with kindness, honor the truth
Alejandro Aravena, a renowned Chilean architect, addressed graduates at the MIT School of Architecture and Planning's 2026 ceremony, emphasizing the importance of kindness and social responsibility. He shared stories highlighting the challenges faced in architecture, particularly in areas affected by violence and crime. The ceremony also celebrated the Class of 2026's commitment to education as a right, with the announcement of a new scholarship fund to support future students.
- ▪Alejandro Aravena urged graduates to prioritize the needs of others over professional success.
- ▪The Class of 2026 includes 206 graduates from various departments, representing diverse global backgrounds.
- ▪Hashim Sarkis announced the creation of a scholarship fund to support incoming students, emphasizing education as a right.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
“All of us need to feel we are valuable,” says the SA+P Commencement speaker, a Chilean architect and Pritzker Prize winner. Maria Iacobo | School of Architecture and Planning Publication Date: May 29, 2026 Press Inquiries Press Contact: Maria Iacobo Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-253-2027 MIT School of Architecture and Planning Close Caption: Alejandro Aravena, Chilean architect and founder of ELEMENTAL, urged graduates to think beyond professional success and consider the needs of others during the School of Architecture and Planning’s 2026 Advanced Degree Ceremony.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at MIT News.