Architecture biennials showcase professional output on local, regional, and global scales. There are many such events worldwide, allowing us to discover the very best of our architectural work. In Peru, the biennial—sponsored by the College of Architects—is an opportunity to bring together different cohorts and generations, as well as to exchange ideas and experiences.
First and foremost, it must always be a professional Biennial; that is, it should call for works completed by Peruvian architects in their professional practice. That is its core purpose. I have nothing against undergraduate theses or student projects, but I do not believe this is the venue for them. Student biennials can easily be organized during national architecture student congresses. Furthermore, as this is an opportunity to showcase what is new and exceptional, I believe participation should be encouraged by charging an affordable entry fee to all Peruvian architects, whether they work in design or research, in the public or private sector.
Consequently, we would need to establish the categories for entry. The criteria separating the different fields of architectural practice seem appropriate, at least based on the most recent Biennial, but I believe we need to review their naming and, particularly, the necessity of establishing subcategories. Using the last biennial as a reference, I would limit it to just seven categories: Architectural Design (not "Architecture"), Heritage Conservation (not "Revaluation"), Urbanism, Technology (not "Innovation"), Research (without adding "theory and criticism"), Unbuilt Projects (of relevance to architectural design, heritage conservation, or urbanism), and, as a special honor, Lifetime Achievement.
