Chicago Architecture Biennial CAB 6 Announces Details of Its 2025 Edition Under the Theme “Transformation”
With just three months remaining until its scheduled opening on September 19, 2025, the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB 6) has unveiled details of its sixth edition titled: “Transformation: Architecture in Times of Radical Change.” This announcement follows the November 2024 appointment of Argentine architect and critic Florencia Rodríguez as Artistic Director of the event.
An Ambitious Artistic Vision
Rodríguez, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Architecture, has crafted a vision for the biennial that explores how architecture can engage with the profound cultural, social, and environmental transformations shaping our world today.
In a statement, Rodríguez said: “Architecture and design are inherently optimistic disciplines – not because they naively accept the status quo, but because they believe in the power of imagination and knowledge to create a more equitable and meaningful future. We always have choices, and the decisions we make determine what can be achieved tomorrow.”
New Leadership Team
This announcement coincided with the appointment of Jennifer Armbrust, a well-known figure in Chicago’s cultural scene, as the new Executive Director of the biennial, replacing Rachel Kaplan who oversaw the previous two editions. The current edition also saw the appointment of two new co-chairs to the board of directors: Sarah Herda of the Graham Foundation and Nora Daley, Chair of the Illinois Arts Council.
Global Participants
This year’s biennial features over 100 participants from around the world, with special focus on architectural talent from Latin America, including:
- Estudio Planta from Argentina
- GRU.A from Rio de Janeiro
- AOA Studio, winner of the Mies Crown Hall Americas Award
- Architect Tosin Oshinowo from Nigeria
Diverse Cultural Program
The opening ceremony will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center in partnership with the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs. A series of events including exhibitions, films, discussions, and publications will be held at various locations across the city, described by organizers as a “constellation of events.”
Key Accompanying Events
Two important events will precede the opening:
- The 2025 Women in Architecture Awards ceremony (September 9)
- The “Sustainability in Practice” symposium (September 10) featuring prominent speakers like Stefano Boeri and Kevin Carmody
Closing of the Edition
The Chicago Architecture Biennial CAB 6 will continue until February 28, 2026, with more details to be announced soon.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
The 2025 Chicago Biennial emerges at a time of radical transformations in global architecture, with Florencia Rodríguez proposing a vision that blends architectural innovation with social responsibility. The focus on participants from the Global South adds a new dimension to international architectural discourse. Yet the greatest challenge remains translating these ideas into tangible solutions for real-world problems. Will the biennial succeed in moving beyond being a display platform to becoming a space for actual change? The answer may lie in how these visions interact with local community needs. Its ultimate impact will be measured by its ability to bridge visionary thinking with practical implementation.
Explore More with ArchUp
ArchUp documents the evolving profession of architects worldwide, from career insights and research to project profilesand industry news. Our editorial team publishes global salary trends, career advice, and opportunities for emerging talents. Learn more on our About page or Contact us to collaborate.
