International Architecture Agenda: Highlights for the Rest of 2023

September 26, 2023

Architecture and urbanism constantly evolve, with innovative ideas and creative solutions shaping our cities and landscapes. As we move into the latter half of 2023, the global architecture agenda is teeming with exciting events that promise to redefine architectural design and urban planning boundaries. From South Korea to the United Arab Emirates, these upcoming months are brimming with opportunities for architects, designers, and enthusiasts to engage with groundbreaking ideas and projects. In this article, we'll explore some key international events on the architecture calendar for the rest of the year.



1. Seoul Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (SBAU 2023)


Dates: September 01 - October 29 Location: Seoul, South Korea


The 4th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism is a highly anticipated event that seeks to formulate a roadmap for a romantic and eco-friendly city. With a focus on competition and innovation, this biennial aims to establish a solid foundation for Seoul's urban plan for the next century. Architects and urban planners worldwide are invited to participate in this visionary event.


 

2. TAC! Festival de Arquitectura Urbana 2023



Dates: September 14 - October 16. Location: Valencia, Spain


Valencia plays host to the second edition of the TAC! Festival de Arquitectura Urbana in 2023. This festival encourages reflection on the role of architecture in addressing climate challenges, especially in the era of global warming. TAC! Brings together creativity and public spaces, providing a platform for architects to tackle pressing environmental issues.




3. Singapore Design Week (SDW 2023)


Dates: September 21 - October 01 Location: Singapore City, Singapore


As one of Asia's premier design festivals, Singapore Design Week explores design through three pillars: Design Futures, Design Marketplace, and Design Impact. Design Futures focuses on forward-looking innovation, offering a glimpse into Singapore's vision for a better world through design.




4. Design Week Mexico


Dates: September 22 - 25. Location: Mexico City, Mexico


Design Week Mexico returns to the vibrant capital city for its 15th edition. This festival celebrates the diverse design world, featuring exhibitions, tours, and workshops. While specific dates for 2023 are yet to be announced, this event promises to be a highlight for design enthusiasts in Mexico.



5. Bienal de Arquitectura Latinoamericana (BAL 2023)


Dates: September 26 - 29. Location: Pamplona, Spain


The Bienal de Arquitectura Latinoamericana 2023 takes place in Pamplona, with Ecuador as the guest country. The event features presentations by selected teams, master lectures, and roundtable discussions. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with Latin American architectural perspectives.



6. 2023 Summer School - Emergency Deployable Shelter


Date: September 28 Location: Miami, South Florida


This Summer Design Project Competition in Miami aims to propose models for communities to provide emergency deployable shelters (EDS) to needy residents. It bridges the gap between traumatic circumstances and transformative solutions in urban planning and disaster relief.



7. Generation Proxima - Emerging Environmental Practices in Portuguese Architecture


Starting from: October 02


This exhibition offers an environmentally oriented overview of emerging architectural practices in Portugal. It highlights firms that address environmental challenges while emphasising community engagement and sustainability.



9. Dubai Design Week


Dates: November 08 - 11 Location: Dubai, UAE


Dubai Design Week is a dynamic event that celebrates design and innovation. It brings together architects, designers, and creative minds from around the world to showcase their work and engage in discussions about the future of design.



The international architecture agenda for the remainder of 2023 is packed with exciting events and exhibitions that will shape the future of architecture and urbanism. From addressing climate challenges to exploring innovative design concepts, these gatherings provide a platform for architects and designers to collaborate, learn, and inspire. Whether you're an architect, urban planner, or simply passionate about design, these events offer a unique opportunity to engage with the latest architectural trends and ideas. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for these upcoming architectural highlights!

Five Lessons from Mies van der Rohe for Architects Today

By OTIIMA MMTW • March 27, 2025
March 27 marks the anniversary of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His philosophy, built on clarity, simplicity, and material honesty, continues to inspire contemporary architecture. His work embodies a timeless vision that remains as relevant as ever. Here are five key lessons architects today can learn from Mies van der Rohe. Less is More Perhaps his most famous principle, “Less is more,” summarizes Mies’ approach to design: stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the essential. His buildings are characterized by clean lines, open floor plans, and an absence of ornamentation. This philosophy encourages architects to prioritize spatial clarity and material integrity, resulting in structures that are modern and enduring.

The Essence of Scandinavian Architecture and Design

By OTIIMA MMTW • March 20, 2025
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By OTIIMA MMTW • March 13, 2025
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5 Iconic Projects Designed by Women in Architecture

By OTIIMA MMTW • March 8, 2025
Visionary minds have long shaped the architecture industry, yet women architects have fought for recognition in a male-dominated field for decades. Today, their contributions are undeniable, with groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of design, functionality, and sustainability. This article highlights a few remarkable projects led by women architects that demonstrate their profound impact on modern architecture. 1. Heydar Aliyev Center – Zaha Hadid  Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a remarkable example of architectural fluidity and innovation. The building features a sinuous, wave-like form that challenges traditional architectural norms, creating an uninterrupted spatial experience. Renowned for her bold and futuristic designs, Hadid proved that architecture can be functional and sculptural. The center is a cultural hub that embodies modernity and movement in its design.

Liu Jiakun Awarded 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize

By OTIIMA MMTW • March 6, 2025
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The Architectural Influence in Cinema

By OTIIMA MMTW • February 27, 2025
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Form, Light, and Landscape: The Architecture of Mário Martins

By OTIIMA MMTW • February 20, 2025
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Vision 62 Series: Breaking the Barriers of Minimalist Architecture

By OTIIMA MMTW • February 13, 2025
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845 Sea Ranch Drive: A Paradigm of Contemporary Architecture by The Warner Group

By OTIIMA MMTW • February 6, 2025
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