The Bahá'í Temple of South America, located at the foothills of   the Andes bordering Santiago, Chile, features a stunning exterior structure   of glass veils that frame an open and accessible worship space. This   remarkable temple can accommodate up to 600 visitors at a time, attracting as   many as 36,000 visitors each weekend, making it a significant spiritual and   architectural landmark in the region.

Extensive testing was conducted on the initial material choice,   Alabaster, which involved thorough material and anchor testing as well as   full panel testing. Ultimately, the decision was made to use cast glass for   the exterior and Portuguese translucent Marble for the interior, creating a   harmonious blend of materials that enhances the temple's serene atmosphere.

The final construction consisted of flat pieces that were   water-jet cut from slabs to the exact shapes defined by the computer model.   Each wing of the nine-sided temple features over 870 unique pieces of Marble,   showcasing the intricate design and precision that characterize this iconic   structure. The combination of innovative materials and meticulous engineering   ensures that the Bahá'í Temple stands as a beacon of faith and beauty in   South America.