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Utopian Architecture Explored at Basque Biennial Exhibition

exhibition · 2026-03-24

The Basque International Architecture Biennial, Mugak, presents 'Eu-topias, Ou-topias,' an exhibition curated by Maria Arana Zubiate that examines utopian thinking in architecture. The show features projects like Constant Nieuwenhuys's New Babylon, David Brown's Available City initiative in Chicago, and Lesley Lokko's African Futures Institute in Accra. It explores how visionary ideas historically dismissed as impractical have shaped urban development, while analyzing the fine line between utopian aspirations and dystopian outcomes. The exhibition includes works by architect Aristide Antonas and runs through 2025.

Key facts

  • The Basque International Architecture Biennial, Mugak, is presenting 'Eu-topias, Ou-topias' in 2025
  • Curator Maria Arana Zubiate organized the exhibition exploring architectural utopias
  • Projects include Constant Nieuwenhuys's New Babylon concept from 1956-1974
  • David Brown's Available City initiative repurposes vacant lots in Chicago
  • Lesley Lokko founded the African Futures Institute in Accra to envision African architectural futures

Entities

Artists

  • Constant Nieuwenhuys
  • David Brown
  • Lesley Lokko
  • Aristide Antonas
  • Maria Arana Zubiate

Institutions

  • Basque International Architecture Biennial, Mugak
  • African Futures Institute
  • Urbanbat
  • Azkuna Zentroa-Alhóndiga Bilbao
  • URBANBATfest

Locations

  • Basque Country
  • Chicago
  • Accra
  • Athens
  • Bilbao

Sources