Anthropologist Vyjayanthi Rao to Curate 2026 Sharjah Architecture Triennial with Focus on Civic Infrastructure
By
Tom Ravenscroft
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
Anthropologist Vyjayanthi Rao will curate the 2026 Sharjah Architecture Triennial with the theme 'Architecture Otherwise: Building Civic Infrastructures.' The triennial aims to challenge conventional architectural thinking by focusing on civic infrastructure, community needs, and alternative approaches to building that prioritize social and environmental sustainability over iconic structures. Rao emphasizes moving beyond Western-centric architectural paradigms to explore diverse global perspectives and practical solutions for urban challenges.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledThe duo chose Architecture Otherwise: Building Civic Infrastructures as the theme for the triennial.
The Sharjah Architecture Triennial is the first major platform of its kind for architecture, urbanism and design in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the African continent.
We want to challenge the idea that architecture is just about iconic buildings and instead focus on the civic infrastructures that support communities.
The triennial will explore how architecture can be reimagined to address pressing social and environmental challenges.
You might also wanna read
Foster + Partners Designs New Sculpture Garden and Pavilion Renovations for Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
British architecture studio Foster + Partners has unveiled plans for a sculpture garden beside the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The project, na
Dezeen·4mo ago
Sculptural Wooden Benches Installed on London's Strand Pedestrian Space
The article describes new sculptural wooden seating installations on London's Strand, created by landscape architecture firm LDA Design and
Dezeen·6mo ago
The Case Against Fast Architecture: Why We Should Slow Down Building Design
This article critiques the trend of 'fast architecture' - the push for rapid construction and instant gratification in building design. The
Dezeen·7mo ago
Thomas Heatherwick Aims to Make Seoul Architecture Biennale Public-Focused Rather Than Professional Echo Chamber
The 2024 Seoul Architecture Biennale, directed by Thomas Heatherwick, aims to break from traditional architecture festivals by directly enga
Dezeen·8mo ago
Copenhagen Architecture Biennial Director Calls for Activism in Addressing Built Environment Challenges
The inaugural Copenhagen Architecture Biennial, launching with the theme 'Slow Down', aims to address global challenges exacerbated by the b
Dezeen·8mo ago
Heatherwick Studio's Humanise Wall Under Construction for Seoul Biennale
The article covers the construction progress of Heatherwick Studio's Humanise Wall, a 90-meter twisted wall structure being built as the cen
Dezeen·8mo ago