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Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026: Vyjayanthi V. Rao on Architecture as Civic Infrastructure

architecture-design · 2026-08-26

The upcoming third Sharjah Architecture Triennial, named Architecture Otherwise, Building Civic Infrastructure for Collective Futures, is scheduled to run from 14 November 2026 to 14 April 2027 in Sharjah, UAE. Curated by Vyjayanthi V. Rao, alongside associate curator Tau Tavengwa, the event will focus on social, cultural, and political infrastructures. Rao critiques the impact of architecture on unstable living situations, emphasizing that daily rituals are more significant than iconic designs. The exhibition will feature collaborative initiatives and the concept of the 'city as archive.' Rao also addresses issues such as resource depletion, adaptive reuse, and the contributions of Indian architects B.V. Doshi and Charles Correa. Niccolò Lucarelli conducted the interview.

Key facts

  • The third Sharjah Architecture Triennial runs from 14 November 2026 to 14 April 2027 in Sharjah, UAE.
  • The title is Architecture Otherwise, Building Civic Infrastructure for Collective Futures.
  • Vyjayanthi V. Rao is the curator; Tau Tavengwa is associate curator.
  • The triennial debuted in 2019 and this is its third edition.
  • Rao criticizes architecture as complicit in predatory development and resource extraction.
  • The exhibition includes projects on the 'city as archive' and community collaboration.
  • Rao cites B.V. Doshi and Charles Correa as key influences.
  • The interview was conducted by Niccolò Lucarelli for Artribune.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Sharjah Architecture Triennial
  • Artribune
  • Torolab
  • Panic Studio LA
  • DCA City of Los Angeles
  • ART AFRICA

Locations

  • Sharjah
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Mumbai
  • India
  • Dubai
  • Singapore
  • Chicago
  • New York
  • Chandigarh
  • Punjab
  • Ganeshpuri
  • Navi Mumbai
  • Gulf
  • South Asia
  • Africa
  • Navi Mumbai International Airport
  • Versova
  • Horniman Circle Garden
  • Los Angeles

Sources