The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) announced the list of international architecture firms and artists who will participate in its second edition, entitled “Make New History,” to take place September 16-January 7, in Chicago, Illinois. The 2017 Biennial is aligned with the sixth annual EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, at Navy Pier. The hub of the 2017 Biennial will once again be the Chicago Cultural Center and will provide a platform for ground breaking architectural projects and spatial experiments that demonstrate how creativity and innovation can radically transform our lived experience under this year’s theme, “Make New History.” The 2017 Biennial is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Over 100 firms and artists representing countries around the world were selected by the 2017 Biennial Artistic Directors, Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee, of the Los Angeles–based firm Johnston Marklee. The participants will present their architectural work at the Chicago Cultural Center, as well as additional sites across the city.
“The City of Chicago is proud to host new projects by architects, artists and designers from around the world with the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “We are pleased to announce another outstanding lineup of work and perspectives to build on the success of the inaugural 2015 edition. Not only will the breadth of work represented by designers from around the world showcase the future of architecture, but it will also further reinforce Chicago’s stature as a global city.”
The Biennial and its partners will explore Chicago’s rich historic legacy as an incubator of architectural ideas and showcase diverse cultural sites across the city and region through a range of programs that are available to the public.
The city and its buildings will provide a space for international participants and visitors to explore the 2017 theme, Make New History, and to question how the past connects to the present, while also inspiring the future of art, architecture, and urban design. The two central themes of the Chicago Architecture Biennial 2017 are the axis between history and modernity and the axis between architecture and art.
“The Program Partners of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial will further explore and examine the meaning of architecture today, and reflect and expand on the Biennial’s theme of ‘Make New History,’”said the 2017 Biennial Artistic Directors, Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee, of the Los Angeles–based firm Johnston Marklee. Todd Palmer, Executive Director of the 2017 Biennial, added,“The Biennial and its partners will leverage Chicago’s unique legacy to present compelling programming, events, and exhibitions which will highlight the Artistic Directors’ vision.
