We developed the Master Plan and architectural preliminary design for the mining camp of Minera Gabriela Mistral (Gaby), located in Sierra Gorda, in the heart of the Atacama Desert, Antofagasta Region, Chile. The project included the design of 13 dormitory pavilions with a total capacity of 918 beds, as well as a dining hall (casino), administrative offices, and support service facilities.

Due to the camp’s location in a zone with extreme climatic conditions, the design prioritized strategies to enhance habitability in mining environments, both in indoor and outdoor spaces. The master plan for the mining camp proposed a clear and hierarchical spatial organization, improving operational efficiency and overall quality of life.

At the main entrance, a prominent architectural volume was designed as a landmark, marking the threshold between the desert landscape and the inner workings of the camp. This building houses the public areas such as the dining room, training rooms, and access control, acting as the central hub for collective activities.

From this core, a central plaza extends outward, accompanied by side corridors, a covered open gallery, gyms, and recreational areas, forming the first ring dedicated to community life and main circulation. A second, more private ring accommodates the modular dormitories for mining staff, designed to ensure privacy, rest, and thermal comfort.

This project integrates sustainable design principles, modular architecture, and efficient spatial planning to meet the challenges of remote mining camps in Northern Chile.