Chicago Architecture Biennial 2025: "SHIFT" Explores Architecture in Times of Radical Change

The 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB), titled "SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change," is now open to the public, running from September 19, 2025, through February 28, 2026. This sixth edition marks the event's tenth anniversary and is curated by Florencia Rodriguez, the first Latina Artistic Director in CAB's history. The Biennial features over 100 projects from architects, artists, and designers representing 30 countries, addressing pressing issues such as housing shortages, ecological challenges, and material innovation.

Rodriguez, an Argentine architect, editor, and educator, currently serves as Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago's School of Architecture. She is also the founding principal of -NESS, an international cultural platform for architecture. Her curatorial vision for the Biennial emphasizes architecture's engagement with cultural, social, and environmental transformations. "Architecture is fundamentally about engaging with change—understanding it, responding to it, and proposing ways to improve the conditions we inhabit," Rodriguez stated.

The Biennial's central exhibition is hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, with additional installations at venues such as the Graham Foundation, Stony Island Arts Bank, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Starting in November, 840 N. Michigan Ave. will also feature exhibits. All events are free and open to the public, reinforcing CAB's commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

Notable installations include "Inhabit, Outhabit," a video display showcasing global housing projects at the Chicago Cultural Center, and "Traces," a dry-stacked brick installation on the north lawn of the Griffin Museum, reflecting on the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Another significant exhibit, "Ecologies," will debut on November 5 at 840 N. Michigan Ave., focusing on environmental themes.

The Biennial underscores the role of architecture in addressing global challenges, including housing shortages, ecological concerns, and social equity. By showcasing diverse perspectives from around the world, CAB fosters a dialogue on how design can contribute to more sustainable and inclusive communities. However, some critiques suggest that the Biennial could engage more deeply with pressing political issues, noting a perceived lack of political engagement despite the theme's potential.

Since its inception in 2015, the Chicago Architecture Biennial has presented more than 500 projects representing over 40 countries, attracting more than two million visitors. Chicago's rich architectural heritage, featuring figures like Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, positions the city as a nexus for critical discourse in architecture.

The 2025 Chicago Architecture Biennial offers a comprehensive exploration of how architecture can respond to and shape the rapidly changing world. With its diverse range of installations and programs, the Biennial invites the public to engage with contemporary architectural thought and practice, reflecting on the built environment's role in addressing today's most pressing challenges.