ashley bigham

an architecture biennial unveils avant-garde ideas, materials, technologies and practices and serves as a forum for architects to make connections, collaborate with others and engage the public in issues and concerns in the field. the biennial also recognizes outstanding work in the industry.

the graham foundation is pleased to present the available city, part of the fourth edition of the 2021 chicago architecture biennial (cab). this edition marks a new approach to the biennial model, bridging the traditional exhibition format to a deeper engagement with the community to expand access and impact. offering opportunities to discover installations, exhibitions, and programs that explore transformative possibilities for vacant spaces in communities worldwide. the available city is curated by designer, researcher, and educator david brown. as artistic director, brown activates his ongoing, decade-long research project to document and reimagine new futures for vacant lots in american cities, including the more than 10,000 city-owned vacant lots in chicago. with over 80 contributors from more than 18 countries, and more than 100 cultural partners, the available city includes 15 site-specific architectural installations: located on public and private lots located in chicago’s neighborhoods of north lawndale, bronzeville, woodlawn, englewood, pilsen, and the south loop. there are also two exhibition-based explorations located in an unused storefront space in bronzeville and at the graham foundation.

[ above/below ]
the garden table / studio ossidiana / rotterdam & venice & chicago

the garden table designed to be a permanent installation, is part kitchen, part game, part stage, during the biennial, the table will be integrated into el paseo’s ongoing programming and creation of communal space in pilsen. the el paseo community garden has been fostering community and wellness for pilsen residents since 2009.

studio ossidiana is an award-winning practice in architecture, design, and research led by alessandra covini and giovanni bellotti. based in rotterdam, and working with an international team of architects, designers and researchers, the firm is actively involved locally and globally with projects across the netherlands, italy, turkey, and the us. alessandra is the winner of the prix de rome architecture 2018, the oldest and most prestigious award for architects under the age of 35 in the netherlands. giovanni is a fulbright fellow and miguel vinciguerra award recipient.

neighborhood: pilsen
site address: 944 west 21st street, 60616
hours to visit: daily 11am-4pm and during el paseo programming
projects by: studio ossidiana and outpost office

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visit the [ chicago architecture biennial ] to explore more about the biennial, what is on view throughout the city, and upcoming programs and events. look for DesignApplause to spell out these events in weekly separate articles.

[ upcoming programming! ] #cab21 #chicagoarchitecturebiennial

photography by gloria araya
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