Quito to Host 25th Architecture Biennial Under Theme 'Prohibido no tocar'
The 25th Quito Architecture Biennial (XXV BAQ) is scheduled to take place in Quito, Ecuador, from November 23 to 27, 2026, under the theme "Prohibido no tocar" (Do Not Touch Prohibited). Since 1978, the Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador – Provincial de Pichincha has organized this event, which will showcase nine temporary pavilions in public areas. Selected competition projects will enliven these locations for architectural exploration. The Biennial will feature the Premio Bienal, an Academic Seminar, and various cultural activities, including workshops, exhibitions, discussions, and keynote speeches. Prominent figures such as Giancarlo Mazzanti and Jean Pierre Crousse will participate. The Premio Bienal honors architectural achievements across multiple categories, emphasizing the relationship between architecture, streets, and communities.
Key facts
- The XXV Bienal de Arquitectura de Quito runs November 23–27, 2026 in Quito, Ecuador.
- The edition's theme is "Prohibido no tocar" (Do Not Touch Prohibited).
- Nine temporary pavilions will occupy public spaces including Boulevard 24 de Mayo, Carmen Alto, Santa Clara, San Marcos, La Alameda, El Ejido, Biblioteca Nacional Eugenio Espejo and Plaza Gabriela Mistral.
- Projects come from national, international and student competitions.
- The Biennial has been organized since 1978 by the Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador – Provincial de Pichincha.
- Four axes structure the edition: urban pavilions, Premio Bienal, Seminario Académico and a cultural component.
- International participants include Giancarlo Mazzanti, Jean Pierre Crousse, Gustavo Penna, Daniel Bonilla, Sebastián Irarrázaval, Patrick Schumacher, Shajay Bhooshan, Kees Kaan and Nader Tehrani.
- The Premio Bienal includes categories for built works in Ecuador, built projects in the Americas, publications and student work.
Entities
Artists
- Giancarlo Mazzanti
- Jean Pierre Crousse
- Gustavo Penna
- Daniel Bonilla
- Sebastián Irarrázaval
- Patrick Schumacher
- Shajay Bhooshan
- Kees Kaan
- Nader Tehrani
- Gabriela Mistral
- Eugenio Espejo
Institutions
- Colegio de Arquitectos del Ecuador – Provincial de Pichincha
- XXV Bienal de Arquitectura de Quito
- Biblioteca Nacional Eugenio Espejo
Locations
- Quito
- Ecuador
- Boulevard 24 de Mayo
- Carmen Alto
- Santa Clara
- San Marcos
- La Alameda
- El Ejido
- Plaza Gabriela Mistral
- Pichincha
- América
Sources
- ARQA —