Future Architecture Platform: European Network Promotes Emerging Architects

The Future Architecture Platform (FAP), coordinated by the MAO – Museum of Architecture and Design in Ljubljana, is a pan-European network of institutions that annually selects 25 young creatives to promote through a program of events across the European Union. Founded in summer 2014 by MAO director Matevž Čelik, the network initially brought together 14 institutions from 13 EU countries and won the first Creative Europe Programme grant of €500,000 per year. In four editions, FAP has involved over 300 talents in 150 activities including exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and installations. The network has grown from 14 to 24 members, with 2019 new entries including the non-profit Architektūros fondas from Vilnius and the Tbilisi Architecture Biennale. Italy is represented by MAXXI in Rome, a founding member. The 2019 Call for Ideas received a record 357 applications from 704 creatives across 60 countries, with 25 selected. The Creative Exchange 2019 took place February 13–15 at MAO's Fužine Castle, featuring guest speakers Giovanna Borasi (Chief Curator, CCA Montreal) and Freek Persyn (founder of 51N4E). The resulting European Architecture Program 2019 includes events such as Barcelona Architecture Week (May 9–19), Kosovo Architecture Festival, Tallinn Architecture Biennale (September 11–November 3), Oslo Architecture Triennale (September 26–November 24), and Lisbon Architecture Triennale (October 3–December 2), along with research fellowships and mentorship programs.