Overview

The Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism will return in September and October 2025 for its fifth edition, marking a decade since its founding in 2017. Held in Seoul, South Korea, this biennale has established itself as a dynamic platform for exploring creative, human-centered, and climate-conscious solutions to urban challenges faced by cities worldwide.

Appointed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Thomas Heatherwick will serve as the General Director for this milestone edition. Internationally acclaimed for his innovative and humanistic design philosophy, Heatherwick brings a fresh vision to the Biennale, aiming to expand the dialogue of architectural culture into broader social and cultural realms.

Why You Should Participate

• Engage with a visionary theme: The 2025 edition’s theme, “Radically More Human,” invites participants to reimagine cities and buildings as joyful, human-centric spaces.

• Global influence: This Biennale serves as a unique laboratory for confronting contemporary issues like urban loneliness, social division, and environmental sustainability through architecture.

• Leadership by Thomas Heatherwick: Known for his Humanise campaign, Heatherwick’s direction promises a vibrant, socially impactful event.

• Experiential participation: The Biennale includes public installations, a two-day global conference, and hands-on creative activities that encourage deep engagement.

• Community voice: It brings together creators and communities from diverse backgrounds to reflect the real voice of Seoulites and international urban dwellers.

Key Highlights

• Theme: Radically More Human

• Dates: September – October 2025

• Location: Seoul, South Korea (with special focus on Songhyeon Green Plaza)

• General Director: Thomas Heatherwick

• Concept: Cities and buildings designed to foster joy, connection, and climate responsibility

• Features:

  • Public installations

  • Creative engagement programs

  • Two-day global conference

  • City-wide public exhibitions

Entry Fees

Prizes and Recognition

Submission Details

• Exhibitor Participation: Involves curated selection of creators, communities, and thought leaders.

• Conference Contributions: Global experts may apply to speak or present.

• Creative Installations: Artists and architects can propose site-specific works reflecting the theme.

• Design Approach: The visual identity fuses the words “Seoul” and “eye” with a blinking motif, inviting viewers to imagine more joyful urban environments.

Important Dates

How to Join

1. Visit the official website of the Seoul Biennale.

2. Explore categories for public programs, exhibitions, and speaking engagements.

3. Follow instructions to register or submit a proposal.

4. Attend or participate in Seoul during the event.

Register here: (registration link)

Judging Criteria

Although not a competition, submissions and contributions will be curated based on:

• Alignment with the Theme: How well the work embodies “Radically More Human”

• Innovation: Creative approaches to architecture and urbanism

• Social Relevance: Engagement with themes like belonging, loneliness, and community

• Design Communication: Visual and conceptual clarity

• Public Engagement: Ability to provoke thought and participation

For anyone looking for a reliable and up-to-date architectural resource, ArchUp offers fresh content covering projects, design, and competitions.

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