
The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam needs your contribution to reimagine the way we conceive and build our world. The 10th International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR), titled IT’S ABOUT TIME, will reflect on the notion of time and design. Time, we claim, is an essential yet neglected parameter in designing sustainable futures. It is therefore only antidote to the short-term interests that seem to be ruling the world.
In 1972, the seminal book "The Limits to Growth" warned that exponential economic growth would lead to ecological disasters within a century unless society made fundamental changes. Our current economic system has fulfilled the worst-case projections made 50 years ago. Each one of us now needs to answer the question: How can we—personally and as a society at large—radically change the perspective on growth, development, urbanity? Historically, mainstream architecture has facilitated and stimulated economic growth while contributing to an ever-escalating human footprint, exponential carbon emissions, resource extraction, and loss of biodiversity. It’s time for the power of design to contribute to an environmentally and socially conscious future, and to develop alternative visions.
The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) is releasing an open call for realized projects, research projects, or conceptual propositions that can lead to new visions of development in architectural design. Contributions at all scales are welcomed. You can also submit projects that you observed are having a decisive impact, and act as a supporter. We will give visibility to all practices that are impactful through their interventions in the present. Concurrently, we will highlight proposals that give a better understanding of the neglected lessons from the past and projects that will inspire us with visions for the future.
