Alejandro Aravena to Direct 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale

Alejandro Aravena, a Chilean architect born in 1967, has been appointed as the director of the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale and will curate its fifteenth International Architecture Exhibition. He established Alejandro Aravena Architects in 1994 and taught at Harvard University from 2000 to 2005, where he co-created the social housing project ELEMENTAL alongside engineer Andres Iacobelli. His accolades include the 2015 Design of the Year from London’s Design Museum, the first prize at the Zumtobel Global Award in Austria (2014), and the World Green Building Council Chairman's Award (2014). Other notable honors comprise the 2011 Index Award in Denmark, the Silver Medal at the Holcim Awards (2011), and the Silver Lion at the 2008 Venice Biennale. The biennial will take place from May 28 to November 27, 2016, with previews on May 26 and 27.