the available city revives ideas for collective spaces at the chicago architecture biennial

the available city revitalizes vacant urban spaces

the 2021 edition of the chicago architecture biennial, dubbed the available city, presents an urban design foundation that intends to transform vacant lots into vivid collective spaces. over 80 contributors from more than 18 countries take part in this ongoing exploration — which reflects the needs of communities and neighborhoods — through site-specific artistic and architectural projects, exhibitions, and programs. transformative potentials sought to bring ideas to life in response to the more than ten thousand city-owned vacant areas in the south and west sides of chicago.

among these projects, atelier bow-wow, studio ossidiana and studio barnes contribute with their interactive installations, while manuel herz gives color to the central park theater façade.

all images courtesy of nathan keay, unless stated otherwise 

the city as a site for urban experimentation

architects, designers, and residents, present ideas that highlight the potential of vacant spaces, visualizing a network of areas that could work as a cohesive urban landscape. through diverse forms and activities; big and small-scale installations, performances, programs, workshops, and essays, the city is transformed into a canvas for an endless creation of new spaces, inspiring new ways of living.

the available city (see more here) curated by david brown, invites an open conversation responding to the question of ‘who gets to participate in the design of the city by exploring new perspectives and approaches to policies.’  

image courtesy of dennis fisher

‘the biennial represents chicago at its collaborative best exploring ideas that resonate both locally and worldwide. the 2021 exhibition brings neighborhood leaders, our arts and cultural organization partners, and architecture and design professionals together in a dialogue which promises to enrich lives everywhere. we are grateful for the generous support of the corporations foundations and individuals who make it possible to present an array of programs, always free of charge, to visitors to our city and to chicagoans of all ages,’ said jack guthman, chairman of the chicago architecture biennial.

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project info:

event: chicago architecture biennial
exhibition title: the available city
artistic director: david brown
dates: september 17, 2021 – december 18, 2021
venue: outdoors sites extending into over 8 neighborhoods around the city