The Biennial is coming back. Next year, designers from around the world will convene in the Windy City once again for the next Chicago Architecture Biennial. Announced this morning by Mayor Rahm Emanuel at a press conference at the Chicago Cultural Center, the theme for the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial will be Make New History. The next iteration of the Biennial will explore the history of art and architecture and the role that history and tradition will play in the next generation of architects.
Leading the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial, which will take place from September 16 to December 31, 2017, is Todd Palmer, who comes from the National Public Housing Museum. Programming for next year’s Biennial will be led by Los Angeles-based architects and partners of Johnston Marklee, Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee (read more about them on Curbed National).
Last year’s inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial has been viewed by many involved in the world of architecture as a success. Its success not only helped to lay the groundwork for future editions of the event, but it also helped reinforce Chicago’s reputation as a leader in the field of architecture. Over half a million visitors attended the various events across the many installation locations of the first Chicago Architecture Biennial over the four months that it was held last year.
Mayor Emanuel believes that next year’s edition will also be a successful one. "Not only is the Biennial's return a testament to our city's architectural significance, but it speaks toChicago's place as one of the world's cultural destinations and our place in the world of architecture and design," the mayor said in a statement.