Commencement

The MIT School of Architecture and Planning celebrated the Class of 2026 at its Advanced Degree Ceremony on Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Kresge Auditorium.

Ceremony resources

• Graduate Name Book
• Ceremony Program
• Full Ceremony Recording

Architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Alejandro Aravena delivered the keynote address to graduates and their guests at the 2026 MIT SA+P Advanced Degree Ceremony.

In his remarks, Aravena encouraged graduates to lead with kindness, honor the truth, and recognize the value of every individual. Drawing on experiences from his work in architecture, housing, and urban development, he reflected on the responsibilities of designers and planners in addressing complex challenges and serving society.

About Alejandro Aravena

Alejandro Aravena is an architect, educator, and founder and executive director of ELEMENTAL, a Santiago-based practice focused on social housing, urban design, public buildings, infrastructure, and community-centered projects.

A graduate of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, with additional studies at the IUAV University of Venice, Aravena has led projects ranging from housing developments and university buildings to civic and cultural institutions in Chile and internationally.

His work has received numerous distinctions, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2016. That same year, he served as curator of the 15th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, titled Reporting from the Front. He currently serves as chair of the Pritzker Architecture Prize jury.

For questions about the SA+P Advanced Degree Ceremony, please contact:

sap_graduation@mit.edu.