WUF13, Venice Biennale, and Major Architectural Projects Shape This Week's Urban Discourse
The thirteenth World Urban Forum is currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, focusing on the critical theme of 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.' The event seeks to tackle issues such as housing insecurity and climate change, promoting inclusive urban development. Concurrently, the Venice Art Biennale 2026, under the guidance of curator Koyo Kouoh and named 'In Minor Keys,' showcases the works of international artists from countries including India, Saudi Arabia, and Canada. Additionally, the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art in Pennsylvania has received renovations by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Field Operations.
Key facts
- WUF13 opens in Baku one week ahead of its opening, themed 'Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities'.
- The 2026 Venice Art Biennale, curated by Koyo Kouoh, is titled 'In Minor Keys'.
- National pavilions at the Biennale include India, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Lebanon, Canada, Germany, Singapore, and Vatican City.
- Kengo Kuma & Associates and Field Operations transformed the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art with a new museum and 325-acre preserve.
- Casa Batlló's restored Third Floor apartment reopens with design by Paola Navone – OTTO Studio.
- RAY Phoenix by Johnston Marklee is a 401-unit mixed-use tower in Roosevelt Row Arts District, opening this spring.
- Stefano Boeri Architetti's Ambrosian Monastery in Milan's MIND district includes a church for 300-350 worshippers and a 'Library of Religions'.
- RAMSA completed the McIntire School of Commerce expansion at UVA, restoring Cobb Hall and adding Shumway Hall.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- World Urban Forum
- Venice Art Biennale
- Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art
- Kengo Kuma & Associates
- Field Operations
- Casa Batlló
- OTTO Studio
- RAY
- VELA
- Johnston Marklee
- Grace Fuller Marroquín
- Stefano Boeri Architetti
- Milan Curia
- Robert A. M. Stern Architects
- University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce
- Glavé & Holmes Architecture
Locations
- Baku
- Azerbaijan
- Venice
- Italy
- Pennsylvania
- United States
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Phoenix
- Arizona
- Roosevelt Row Arts District
- Milan
- MIND district
- Charlottesville
- Virginia