Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) is set to mark its tenth anniversary with the announcement of CAB 6: Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change. The upcoming biennial, scheduled for 2025, will be led by Florencia Rodriguez, a writer, editor, and director at the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Architecture. Rodriguez will serve as the Biennial's first Latina Artistic Director.

Over the past decade, CAB has maintained an international forum on architecture and urbanism centered in Chicago. It continues to produce North America's largest exhibition of contemporary architecture every two years. With over 2.2 million visitors engaged through more than 400 original projects from nearly 50 countries, CAB remains a significant platform for architectural discourse.

Governor JB Pritzker remarked, “The Chicago Architecture Biennial is an exposition of ideas focused on the nexus of architecture and the societal issues that affect communities worldwide." He expressed confidence that CAB 6 would continue this tradition when it opens in September 2025.

The sixth edition of CAB will open at the Chicago Cultural Center on September 12, 2025, and run until February 28, 2026. The historic center serves as the Biennial’s hub. Through partnerships across Chicago and globally, a network of organizations will expand discussions around key architectural issues.

DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth stated: “The Chicago Architecture Biennial is a premier platform for global dialogue on architecture and design." She emphasized its role in enriching Chicago's cultural landscape.

Florencia Rodriguez commented on her new role: “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the most important architecture exhibition in the United States.” She highlighted how Shift aims to gather global experiences to inform contemporary design thinking.

Jack Guthman, Chairman of CAB’s Board of Directors, added: “The Biennial will again be a city-wide celebration of architecture and design—a forum for dialogue about the built environment.”

CAB 6 plans to include exhibitions, installations, events, and youth education programs throughout Chicago. Virtual initiatives will extend participation beyond city limits. An international open call for ideas and a podcast featuring global design voices are among planned activities.

Mayor Brandon Johnson noted: “In the ten short years since its inception, the Chicago Architecture Biennial has continued the legacy of our city as a cultural and architectural powerhouse.”

Participants and program partners for CAB 6 will be announced in early 2025.