Libraries / Archives
Lo Contador Library
Lo Contador Library houses one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date national collections in the areas of Architecture, Design, Urban and Territorial Studies. It currently holds an approximate total of 87,000 bibliographic resources in print and audiovisual formats, such as books, theses, journals, plans, and maps. It also holds around 2,300 items that are part of the Heritage Collection, whose enhancement has been promoted since 2019. Highlights include the original handwritten letters between Joaquín Toesca and Manuel de Salas regarding the reconstruction of the Tajamares del Mapocho in the late 18th century, and the original works of one of the pioneers of modern architecture who graduated within the University’s facilities, Violeta del Campo Moya. In addition, the library has a large and constantly growing number of specialized electronic journals and subscribed databases.
Characterized by a modern infrastructure designed by UC academic Teodoro Fernández, recipient of the 2014 National Architecture Prize. Located in the “Sergio Larraín García Moreno Information and Documentation Center” building, it spans 1,300 square meters, including 200 seats for users, a section with light tables, eduroam Wi-Fi network, and computers, including an accessibility point.
Its spacious and bright areas encourage on-site reading and the consultation of various types of collections.
Opening hours:
During the academic period (early March to mid-December), Monday to Friday from 7:45 AM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During summer vacations, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The library is closed during February.
Lucina Malaver De La Fuente
Head
Jacqueline Franjola Cabello
Secretary
Other Libraries and Archives
FADEU Original Archives
The Original Archives of the Sergio Larraín García-Moreno Documentation Center houses a total of 32,821 records catalogued in its database, distributed across 35 documentary fonds, mostly personal archives produced by leading Chilean architects in the course of their academic-professional careers, and 9 special collections focused on research carried out by faculty academics in the areas of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies.
National Design
NATIONAL DESIGN 1845 – 2000 is an image bank for educational purposes and for disseminating Chile’s graphic heritage. This project is led by Pedro Álvarez, professor at the School of Design. It is a Chilean heritage design image bank, available for free download and free of copyright. Focused on national graphics and products from 1845 to 2000, its objective is to highlight a material legacy that shapes the history of design in Chile.
Visual Archive
The Santiago Visual Archive is a website established as the first virtual library of historical images of Santiago, Chile, dating from 1600 to 1967. The material, collected from major national and international libraries and museums, covers a wide range of techniques (painting, drawing, maps, photographs, and architectural plans), with the central premise of valuing and rescuing the heritage and memory of a city dating back to 1541.