Chicago Architecture Biennial
The inaugural Biennial will invite the public to engage with and think about architecture in new and unexpected ways.
The inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial, to take place October 3, 2015 through January 3 2016, takes its title The State of the Art of Architecture from a 1977 conference organized by architect Stanley Tigerman, which invited leading American designers to Chicago to discuss the current state of the field.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial will expand the spirit and scope of this event. It will invite both emerging and established practices from across the world to Chicago to demonstrate how groundbreaking advances in architectural design are tackling the most pressing issues of today.
The exhibition will include both new and commissioned works from 63 participating firms, including Bjarke Ingels Group, Sou Fujimoto, Studio Gang, and 2015 Venice Golden Lion winner Mass Studies, from a total of 30 different countries based in cities as far flung as Bangkok to Rio de Janeiro. Over the coming months the list will continue to grow to include approximately 100 firms.
Architects will present projects in the Chicago Cultural Center, an 1897 Landmark Beaux-Arts building that serves as the main exhibition site, as well as in Millennium Park, the historic Water Tower, the Lake Michigan shoreline, and the 72 E. Randolph building.
Seeking not only industry discourse but public engagement and visibility, the programming is scheduled to feature an opening summit, weekly Wednesday architectural film screenings and architectural tours, as well as educational programming for Chicago Public School students and their families. Each Friday, the Chicago Cultural Center will host late-night talks and performances. Admission to these events will be free.
Through its constellation of exhibitions, full-scale installations, and program of events, the Chicago Architecture Biennial will invite the public to engage with and think about architecture in new and unexpected ways, and to take part in a global discussion about the future of the field.
Key dates:
Exhibition dates: October 3, 2015 – January 3, 2016
Press and Professional Previews: October 1 – October 2, 2015
Opening Weekend: October 3 – October 4, 2015
For a full list of participating firms and more information, see the website.