The 9th Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (Shenzhen)

The 9th Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Shenzhen) is co-curated by Andong Lu, an architecture and urban planning scholar, Zigeng Wang, an architect and the founder of PILLS, and Aric Chen, a design curator. Against the backdrop of the global climate crisis and the ecological shift in urban development models, this year's Biennale is themed "Urban Cosmologies". It aims to respond to the pivotal role of urban and architectural design amidst systemic changes, contemplating the relationship between humanity and nature, and presenting comprehensive urban cosmologies. According to the curators, "Urban Cosmologies" embodies spatial symbiosis and the temporal rhythm of life,representing both a forward-looking cosmology and a concept rooted in the traditional wisdom of Chinese civilization.

The Biennale seeks to transcend the sustainability discourse, exploring how to rejuvenate and heal the Earth. It reflects on the anthropocentric worldview, presenting urban networks and processes from a more-than-human perspective, reimagining our cities. The Biennale also promotes interdisciplinary exchange, urging architecture and urban disciplines to surpass their conventional boundaries for more diverse possibilities, with exhibitors coming from diverse backgrounds, including architecture, art, design, research, video games, and audio design.

Sustainability is integrated throughout the exhibition's lifecycle, adhering to principles in material use, technology, presentation, and post-exhibition treatment. This includes modular design, local recycling of environmentally friendly materials, and reusable assemblies. The primary exhibition venue for this year's UABB is a pioneering example of a composite industrial zone renewal project in Shenzhen. It combines demolition and reconstruction with a comprehensive improvement mode, preserving industrial heritage while becoming a new stage for cultural development alongside this year's UABB event.