The latest edition of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale, curated by Ann-Sofi Rönnskog and John Palmesino, founders of Territorial Agency, aims to open a public space for learning, experience, and debate about the possible futures of cohabitation. One of the world's most important architectural initiatives returns with a robust program that includes:
1/ Three core exhibitions:
"Fluxes" (at MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) examines the flows of energy, materials, and data that underpin humanity.
"Spectres" (at MUDE – Design Museum) explores how colonialism, power, and extraction shape the way we see and imagine our built environment.
"Lighter" (at MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Center) offers alternative visions for a world on the brink of a planetary crisis.
Exhibition SPECTRES. Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Photograph by Fiat Lux Experience.
2/ Three days of international conferences at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (October 29-31):
"Spectres" — Empire and Extractivism (October 29): with Kenny Cupers, Yara Sharif, and Nasser Golzari (Architects for Gaza); moderated by Lilet Breads.
"Fluxes" — Changes and Transformations (October 30): with Andrew Jaque, Thiago Potatoes, and Kathryn Yusoff; moderated by Federica Zambeletti.
"Lighter" — How to Do It Differently (October 31): with Superwoman Boon Mahathanakorn, Cristina Díaz Moreno, Efren García Grinda (amid.zero9), and Eyal Weizman; moderated by Christele Harrouk.
Exhibition FLUXES. Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Photograph by Matilde Fieschi.
3/ More than a dozen independent projects spread across the city.
Seventeen independent projects, selected from 76 international proposals, expand the scope of this edition in Lisbon. From installations and traveling infrastructure to audio guides and performances, they activate five different spaces and transform the city into a space for experimentation.
4/ Four days of activities for schools, universities, families, and children ("TACT Days," October 16-20, at the Palácio Sinel de Cordes).
Exhibition LIGHTER. Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Photograph by Joana Linda.
At the opening of the 2025 Triennale, the winners of the "Lisbon Triennale bcp Millennium Awards" were announced in their three categories: Universities, Debut, and Achievement. All winners received a trophy designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, previous winner of the Achievement Award.
-Universities Award: FAUP, the School of Architecture of the University of Porto, won the award with the research "The Weight of Words," by Maria Neto, Pedro Leão Neto, and Jorge Marum.
-Debut Award: The Indian studio ReSa Architects received this recognition for its exploration of architecture as a collective social process.
-Achievement Award: 84-year-old Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari was honored for her commitment and collaboration in the construction of more than one million homes in Pakistan following the floods that struck in 2022.
Independent Projects. Featherweight. Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Photography by Joana Linda.
"How heavy is a city?" explores emerging forms of cooperation and mutuality, establishing a new framework for evaluating architecture and rethinking its role as a driver of debate. Imagining alternatives for contemporary urban life, the Lisbon Architecture Triennale presents itself as a convening space, involving an interdisciplinary team of experts from science, philosophy, and the arts.
More than ever, we need to acknowledge the multidisciplinary nature of architecture and work with more sophisticated platforms of knowledge to approach the city as a whole. Our seventh edition, How heavy is a city?, establishes the reflection and poses the questions; the remainder of the 21st century will offer us the answers.”
José Mateus, President of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale.
