Tag: andres-jaque-office-for-political-innovation | ArchDaily

"Design Is Inseparable from Activism": In Conversation with Andrés Jaque at the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026

Reyyan Dogan — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:30:00 +0000

At the UIA World Congress of Architects 2026 in Barcelona, the theme Becoming. Architectures for a Planet in Transition framed architecture as a discipline operating within environmental, political, and social transformations rather than outside them. Among the speakers participating in this edition was architect Andrés Jaque, founder of the Office for Political Innovation and Dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). During the Congress, ArchDaily spoke with Jaque about architecture's capacity to generate alternatives, the role of experimentation in education, and why transition should be understood as a condition rather than a destination.

MVRDV, Heatherwick Studio, and Mecanoo Among Five Shortlisted Teams for Shift Sustainability Landmark in Rotterdam

Antonia Piñeiro — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Shift, a company offering digital programs to reduce carbon emissions through individual behavior change, has announced the five finalist teams advancing to Stage Two of its international architecture competition. Launched in January 2025, the Shift International Architecture Competition called for proposals to design "the Shift Landmark": a 25,000 to 30,000 m² building in Waterkant, a new waterfront district in southern Rotterdam. The project includes a hotel, a conference and meeting center, and a sustainable food court. Its objective is to set a new standard for a purpose-driven destination that turns circular living into "something individuals, companies, and organisations can feel, experience, and act on." The five shortlisted design concepts reflect different visions of sustainability and climate action, developed by teams led by the European offices of MVRDV (Netherlands), Heatherwick Studio (United Kingdom), Office for Political Innovation (Spain), Mecanoo (Netherlands), and Ecosistema Urbano (Spain).

When Eating Becomes Spatial: 14 Projects Built Around Shared Meals

Daniela Andino — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

In recent years, food has taken on a renewed role within architecture, not simply as a program or typology, but as a shared spatial practice. Beyond restaurants or dining design, communal eating spaces are increasingly understood as environments where presence, ritual, and time intersect, allowing people to gather, stay, and coexist. In these settings, eating does not just happen within space; it actively shapes it, temporarily transforming ordinary, borrowed, or improvised environments into places of exchange.

Beyond Human-Centered Architecture: Designing Spaces with Other Species

Daniela Andino — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

As architecture moves beyond human-centered design, new practices are rethinking coexistence as an ethical and ecological framework. From political infrastructures to habitats, these approaches invite us to imagine architecture as a shared living system.

An Unfolding Crisis with a Hopeful Outlook: Highlights from the Projects Exhibited at Venice Architecture Biennale 2025

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Under Carlo Ratti's curatorship, the Venice Biennale's 19th International Architecture Exhibition delves into the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective," with the explicit aim of transforming the city of Venice into a "Living Laboratory." In addition to the 65 national participations and a wide range of educational and collateral events, the exhibition features independent projects that directly respond to the overarching theme. With most of the exhibits showcased in the historic Corderie building, stretching along the south side of the Arsenale, the event offers a dynamic exploration of emerging architectural ideas and urban strategies.

Discover the Full List of Special Projects and Participants of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, organised by La Biennale di Venezia under Carlo Ratti's curatorship and the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective," is set to transform Venice into a "Living Laboratory" of experimentation and collaboration. This year's special projects extend beyond the exhibition grounds, integrating into various city locations and Forte Marghera in Mestre, providing an alternative perspective that expands the reach of architectural discourse.

"Architecture Is Not Just the Provision of Space:" Andrés Jaque on the Roles of Architecture in Louisiana Channel Interview

Maria-Cristina Florian — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:30:00 +0000

In the interview conducted by Louisiana Channel, architect Andrés Jaque discusses his foundational interest in architecture and his perspective on its role in shaping society. Jaque, founder of the Office for Political Innovation, emphasizes the creative potential of architecture to intervene in reality and reconnect all elements of the environment. He also goes into perspective on the political aspect of architecture, an interest from which the name of his office derives, as well as his perspectives on the true meaning of sustainability.

Madrid Architecture City Guide: 27 Brutalist and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in the Spanish Capital

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 07:30:00 +0000

Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, offers a blend of tradition and modernity, reflected in its diverse architectural heritage. This rich past is etched into the old façades, expansive public spaces, and historic religious institutions that define much of Madrid’s character today. The city’s continuous architectural renewal, reflected in both respectful restorations and innovative new constructions, highlights Madrid’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.

Intersectional Design: Rethinking Architecture for the Future

Eric Baldwin — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 07:30:00 +0000

Design stems from nuance, empathy, and understanding. The best solutions address the needs, identities, and context of a client and place. A designer's response needs to be informed by these different realities. Intersectional Design is a method of designing by thinking through how factors of identity (gender, race, sexuality, class, and many more) interact with one another. In understanding how these factors combine, we can more deeply understand the context of use and an individual user's priorities.

Shininess Explored: Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation's Installation at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale

Maria-Cristina Florian — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:30:00 +0000

The Office for Political Innovation, led by Andrés Jaque, collaborated with a network of activists and community representatives from Xholobeni (South Africa), experts in seismographs and transduction from Poland, researchers, sound editors, and prop makers to bring a research-based installation at the Arsenale of the 18^th Venice Architecture Biennale. Titled ‘XHOLOBENI YARDS. Titanium and the Planetary Making of SHININESS / DUSTINESS,’ the intervention addresses architecture’s problematic fascination with shininess.

2023 Venice Architecture Biennale: 63 National Pavilions and 89 Participants with Significant Representation from Africa

Christele Harrouk — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 03:30:00 +0000

Announced today in a live presentation, the 18th International Architecture Exhibition, titled The Laboratory of the Future, curated by Lesley Lokko, will be open to the public from May 20 to November 26, 2023, in Venice, Italy. This edition will include 63 National Pavilions, 27 of which are at the Giardini, 22 at the Arsenale, and 14 in the city center of Venice. Structured in six parts, the exhibition will include 89 Participants, over half of whom are from Africa or the African Diaspora, with a 50/50 gender balance, and an average age of 43 for participants. Contributors include Adjaye Associates, atelier masōmī, Kéré Architecture, MASS Design Group, Sumayya Vally and Moad Musbahi, Theaster Gates Studio, Andrés Jaque / Office for Political Innovation, Liam Young, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, to name a few.

Andrés Jaque's Rambla Climate-House and TO studio's Khitara Music Public Kiosk Win the Simon Architecture Prize 2022

Fabian Dejtiar — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:00:00 +0000

On February 15, 2023, the Living Places / Simon Architecture Prize 2023 award ceremony was held in Barcelona. An initiative by Simon, with the support of the Fundació Mies van der Rohe, the prize seeks to recognize excellence in architecture from the perspective of the inhabitant. In fact, "it distinguishes those works which strengthen the ability of adaptability of spaces to reach comfort and well-being to its residents".

2022 TAB Announces Record Numbers and Extension of Winning Installation Until 2024

Paula Cano — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:30:00 +0000

Tallinn Architecture Biennale 2022: "Edible; Or, The Architecture of Metabolism" announced record numbers in its 6th edition after 3 months of exhibitions in Estonia's capital. From installations and a symposium to satellite events, the biennale received in its opening week a record of circa 3000 visitors between architects, planners, designers, and students from more than 20 countries. Due to the successful outcome, the Installation "Fungible Non-Fungible" will be installed until 2024 marking the beginning of the 7th TAB.

Andrés Jaque Named Dean of Columbia GSAPP

Nicolás Valencia — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 01:30:00 +0000

Andrés Jaque has been appointed as the new dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Having taught at Columbia since 2013 and directed the School’s Master of Science program in Advanced Architectural Design since 2018, Jaque will assume his position on September 1, 2022.

Small Cafe Designs: 30 Aspirational Examples in Plan & Section

Clara Ott — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 07:30:00 +0000

The interior design of a coffee shop can make-or-break an establishment. With an inviting design, you can transform drinking a simple cup of coffee into a wonderful experience. However, when you only have a few square meters and various machines and properties to distribute, finding an efficient configuration is not easy.

On the Ongoing Hostilities: Architectural Institutions Rally in Support of Ukraine

Christele Harrouk — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 07:30:00 +0000

On the 24th of February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis and armed conflict in this century, so far, this war has mobilized people across the world in order to exert pressure on authorities and put a stop to the armed hostilities. Individuals, as well as institutions in the architectural field, have taken part in these acts of solidarity, issuing statements, condemning actions, and even halting their work in Russia. From the UIA to MVRDV to Russian Institutions such as Strelka, the architecture world is denouncing the acts of violence and supporting an immediate cease of fire.

Graham Foundation Announces 2020 Individual Grants

Eric Baldwin — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 05:00:00 +0000

The Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts has announced 2020 Grants to Individuals. A total of 52 new grants will support critical projects that tackle contemporary issues, broaden historical perspectives, and explore the future of architecture and the designed environment. They are awarded for research, exhibitions, publications, films, and digital initiatives, among other formats.

"Bodies of Water": PSA Announces the Theme for the 13th Shanghai Biennale

韩爽 - HAN Shuang — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 10:30:00 +0000

Power Station of Art (PSA) has announced the curatorial team and theme for the 13th Shanghai Biennale, proposed by its Chief Curator, the architect and writer Andrés Jaque (Office for Political Innovation).