Photographie inbtermittente des étoiles de la Voie lactée, dans l'hémisphère sud du Chili, par Rodrigo Vidal.

Time lapse photograph of Rodrigo Vidal viewing the stars of the Milky Way, at the southern hemisphere in Chile.

Rodrigo Vidal

Architect, Teacher

Programa Beta - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile

Created On: May 18, 2021
Sector:
Architecture and Construction,  Education and Training
Education Pathway: University
Related School Subjects:
Art,  Environmental Science,  Climate change,  Sustainability,  Geography,  Heat and Energy,  Space Science,  Technology & Engineering

Learn About My Career

My work helps people achieve the most comfortable temperature in their building.

I was born/grew up in: Santiago, Chile

I now live in: London, Ontario, Canada

I completed my training/education at: Architecture at Universidad de Chile. European Master in Renewable Energies at Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.

As an architect I specialize in predictive evaluation. This means that I gather data and use it to predict whether a building will be useful for its purposes. I deal with energy performance and bioclimatic design in building projects. I work remotely with a team in Chile. They are experts in architecture, landscaping, engineering, and construction. Making decisions in this field requires a lot of knowledge. We need to know the local climate conditions and the shape of the surrounding area. We also need to know where the sun is in relation to the building. This will affect the energy needs in the building. Every building we design has its own needs for space. It also has to meet the needs of the people who will live or work there. We use specialized software to cross-reference these two sets of information.

When I studied architecture, I liked to go to the planetarium or watch the stars outdoors. At the time, I didn't see a meeting point between architecture and astronomy. Once I completed my master in Renewable Energies, my interest in geographic, spatial, and solar analysis became stronger. I applied my knowledge in these areas to architecture. This was the first example of where I brought my professional activity closer to science.

I like to draw, by hand or on a computer. I like to use creativity in different stages of projects. I like to use my creativity in the design and evaluation of projects. I like to solve problems. I also like astronomy and geography. I like being able to bring these together in my building plans. What I like most is that I am learning all the time.

Architecture solves problems. My work helps people achieve the most comfortable temperature in their building. This reduces energy use and lowers expenses. It can also reduce carbon emissions. It helps to achieve a more sustainable society.

I like drawing urban and outdoor landscape sketches. I like looking at the stars using telescopes, or just with my eyes. I like landscape astrophotography and solargraphy. This means I also like assembling pinhole cameras to create solargraphs. I love finding and observing animal architecture such as nests, burrows and hives.

Architecture may just be the starting point from which you can specialize and relate to other areas of your interest.

What I do at work

As an architect I specialize in predictive evaluation. This means that I gather data and use it to predict whether a building will be useful for its purposes. I deal with energy performance and bioclimatic design in building projects. I work remotely with a team in Chile. They are experts in architecture, landscaping, engineering, and construction. Making decisions in this field requires a lot of knowledge. We need to know the local climate conditions and the shape of the surrounding area. We also need to know where the sun is in relation to the building. This will affect the energy needs in the building. Every building we design has its own needs for space. It also has to meet the needs of the people who will live or work there. We use specialized software to cross-reference these two sets of information.

My career path is

When I studied architecture, I liked to go to the planetarium or watch the stars outdoors. At the time, I didn't see a meeting point between architecture and astronomy. Once I completed my master in Renewable Energies, my interest in geographic, spatial, and solar analysis became stronger. I applied my knowledge in these areas to architecture. This was the first example of where I brought my professional activity closer to science.

I am motivated by

I like to draw, by hand or on a computer. I like to use creativity in different stages of projects. I like to use my creativity in the design and evaluation of projects. I like to solve problems. I also like astronomy and geography. I like being able to bring these together in my building plans. What I like most is that I am learning all the time.

How I affect peoples’ lives

Architecture solves problems. My work helps people achieve the most comfortable temperature in their building. This reduces energy use and lowers expenses. It can also reduce carbon emissions. It helps to achieve a more sustainable society.

Outside of work I

I like drawing urban and outdoor landscape sketches. I like looking at the stars using telescopes, or just with my eyes. I like landscape astrophotography and solargraphy. This means I also like assembling pinhole cameras to create solargraphs. I love finding and observing animal architecture such as nests, burrows and hives.

My advice to others

Architecture may just be the starting point from which you can specialize and relate to other areas of your interest.

When I was a student I enjoyed:

  • Art
  • Geography
  • Architecture and Urbanism
  • Music

When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:

  • Brought People Together
  • Enjoyed doing things on my own
  • Always wanted to be outside
  • Liked helping people
  • Organized activities for my friends
  • Enjoyed working with my hands
  • Was motivated by success
  • Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
  • Engaged in volunteer activities
  • Liked reading
  • Was really creative
  • Wasn't sure what I wanted to do
  • Liked to design or build things

Related Topics

Careers Careers 9 Climate Action Climate Change Data Analysis Data Collection Energy Energy Conservation Energy Efficiency Engineering Geometry & Spatial Sense Renewable Energy SDG7-Energy Sustainability Sustainability Temperature

Explore More Career Profiles

  • Brianna Lummerding à genoux près d’un cerceau en plastique collectant des échantillons dans un champ herbeux.

    Brianna Lummerding

    Career Profiles

    Agronomic Innovation Manager

    I look after all things related to soil management for a group of retailers.
    Learn More Brianna Lummerding
  • Li Tan, vêtu d'une blouse de laboratoire de couleur blanche, souriant dans son laboratoire.

    Li Tan (he/him)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (he/him)
  • Tyler Mohard wearing lab coat and hair net as he works in the SyLMAND lab

    Tyler Morhart (video)

    Career Profiles

    Scientist, Beamline Responsible - SyLMAND

    I am responsible for the SyLMAND beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron facility.
    Learn More Tyler Morhart (video)
  • Five people, each wearing a white lab coat, standing around a lab bench that has scientific equipment on it.

    Li Tan (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Molecular Lead

    I coordinate the day-to-day operations in the DNA Extraction Lab.
    Learn More Li Tan (Video)
  • portrait par Rashell Featherstone

    Rashell Featherstone (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Senior Program Associate

    I coordinate projects for the development of new products at STEMCELL.
    Learn More Rashell Featherstone (she/her)
  • Kira Hoffman portant un casque rouge avec de la fumée en arrière-plan

    Kira Hoffman (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Postdoctoral Researcher/Fire Ecologist

    I am a researcher at both a university and a not-for profit organization where I am gaining experience to become a senior researcher.
    Learn More Kira Hoffman (she/her)
  • Zoe Ehlert closely examining a plan that has yellow flowers

    Zoë Ehlert (Video)

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert (Video)
  • Daniel Meister headshot

    Daniel Meister

    Career Profiles

    Master's Student, Kinesiology

    Learn More Daniel Meister
  • Zoë Ehlert, vêtue d'une blouse de laboratoire blanche, pose une boîte en carton sur une étagère.

    Zoë Ehlert

    Career Profiles

    Manager, Marker Assisted Breeding

    I lead a team that develops canola crops by breeding plants with traits we are looking for.
    Learn More Zoë Ehlert
  • Jennifer Baltzer portant une casquette et un tee-shirt violet avec des arbres en arrière-plan.

    Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Professor and Canada Research Chair in Forests and Global Change

    I work at a university, teaching students and conducting research on the impact of climate change on forests in Canada and around the world.
    Learn More Jennifer Baltzer (she/her)
  • Caitlyn Lyons, prête pour la forêt avec son sac à dos et ses outils de collecte de données. La photo insérée montre Caitlyn examinant une section de gazon.

    Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)

    Career Profiles

    Ph.D. Candidate

    I am working towards my PhD and studying the forests in the Northwest Territories.
    Learn More Caitlyn Lyons (she/her)
  • Joann Whalen headshot

    Joann Whalen

    Career Profiles

    Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences,

    I teach advanced courses on how to manage soils to produce healthy, nutritious food and maintain healthy ecosystem functions.
    Learn More Joann Whalen