The fourth edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial has opened to the public, with more than 80 contributors from 18 countries responding to the question of who gets to participate in the design of the city.
Curated by designer, researcher and educator David Brown, the biennial themed The Available City includes site-specific architectural projects, exhibitions, and programs across eight neighbourhoods in Chicago and online.
Moving past the traditional exhibition format of the biennial, the organizers are aiming for a deeper engagement with the local community, presenting the more than 10,000 city-owned vacant lots that are concentrated on the south and west sides of Chicago in predominantly black and brown neighbourhoods as possible sites for community-driven design and engagement.
Grids and Griots by Sekou Cooke Studio.
Image: Nathan Keay
David Brown said he had long been inspired by the potential of vacant lots in American cities and had engaged in an ongoing initiative to document, explore, and reimagine these spaces for more than a decade. He presented an exhibition also called The Available City at the inaugural biennial in 2015.
“When the biennial opens, our work is really just beginning – the biennial is an open conversation on possibility, and I am excited to see what ideas, collaborations, and partnerships emerge from this forum,” he said.
A series of site-specific structures – some temporary, others permanent – have been built around Chicago through a collaborative design process between architects, artists, and community. “Many of these projects will evolve through events hosted by the Biennial on highlight weekends and activities initiated by residents week by week,” said Brown.
Englewood Commons by Atelier Bow-Wow.
Image: Nathan Keay
Contributors to the biennial include many local Chicago architects and designers, such as PORT, Alexander Eisenschmidt, Ania Jaworska and Bordelss Studio, as well as names from around the US such as Oakland landscape architect Walter Hood and Sekou Cooke from Charlotte.
International contributors include Atelia Bow-Wow from Tokyo, Atelier Masōmī from Niamey, Niger, Manuel Herz Architects from Switzerland and Studio Ossidiana (Rotterdam/Venice).
A series of essays will also be published throughout the biennial responding to the theme and reflecting on critical issues and questions that are not exclusive to Chicago: “Who participates in the design of the city? How can changed points of view and changed policies offer new possibilities? Who are the improvisational organizers of the city? How can small elements have an exponential impact in the aggregate?”
Garden Table by Studio Ossidiana.
Image: Nathan Keay
The Chicago biennial calls itself “the largest exhibition of contemporary architecture, art, and design in North America.”
Chicago’s mayor Lori Lightfoot said it always represents a remarkable time the city.
“It is inspiring to see the projects and ideas developed by Chicago residents and the contributors highlighting the potential for vacant spaces,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring that conversation to a global platform.”
The biennial officially launched on 17 September and will run until 18 December.
