CCA Exhibition Explores Álvaro Siza's Urban Approach
From May 21, 2026, to January 10, 2027, the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal will host an exhibition titled 'La fortuna de la ciudad es que nunca ha sido perfecta,' showcasing the work of Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. Curated by Giovanna Borasi alongside Laura Aparicio Llorente, the exhibition delves into Siza's urban projects that resonate with their historical, social, and physical settings. It will display original drawings, models, and photographs, featuring contributions from Gabriele Basilico among others. Highlighting Siza's methodology of engaging with urban spaces through observation, the exhibition will also include a publication based on oral histories recorded with Siza, running concurrently with architecture exhibitions by Jean Nouvel and Dorte Mandrup.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'La fortuna de la ciudad es que nunca ha sido perfecta' at the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) in Montreal.
- Runs from May 21, 2026, to January 10, 2027, in the Main Galleries.
- Curated by Giovanna Borasi, with Laura Aparicio Llorente as curatorial assistant.
- Explores Álvaro Siza's urban approach, using his archive donated to the CCA.
- Features drawings, sketchbooks, models, photo-collages, and photographs by Gabriele Basilico, Nuno Cera, Giovanni Chiaramonte, Alessandra Chemollo, and Balthazar Korab.
- Includes material from Aldo Rossi, Gene Summers, James Stirling, Kenneth Frampton, and Jean-Louis Cohen.
- Accompanied by a publication based on an oral history with Siza recorded in Porto.
- Other exhibitions mentioned: Jean Nouvel at Pudong Art Museum, Shanghai; Parlour Gardens at Jardí Botànic, Barcelona; PLACE at Danish Architecture Centre.
- Article written by Reyyan Dogan, published August 7, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Álvaro Siza
- Gabriele Basilico
- Nuno Cera
- Giovanni Chiaramonte
- Alessandra Chemollo
- Balthazar Korab
- Aldo Rossi
- Gene Summers
- James Stirling
- Kenneth Frampton
- Jean-Louis Cohen
- Jean Nouvel
- Dorte Mandrup
Institutions
- Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA)
- Pudong Art Museum
- Jardí Botànic de Barcelona
- Danish Architecture Centre
- UNESCO-UIA
Locations
- Montreal
- Canada
- Porto
- Portugal
- Shanghai
- China
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Denmark