Cartagena de Indias – The vibrant heart of Cartagena opens its doors today to host the 29th Colombian Architecture and Urbanism Biennial, bringing together a diverse array of minds to envision a more inclusive and sustainable future. Under the banner of “Transforming our Habitat”, this year’s edition, organized by the Sociedad Colombiana de Arquitectos, aims to elevate the conversation around the built environment, recognizing that habitat is a fundamental right for all citizens.
For two days, Cartagena’s historic walls will witness an exchange of ideas focused on reshaping urban landscapes. The Naval Museum and the Claustro de Los Jesuitas, both iconic locations within the city, will serve as the backdrop for these critical discussions. Sociedad Colombiana de Arquitectos, with its storied history spanning over 90 years, continues to be a beacon for architectural innovation and urban transformation across Colombia.
The Biennial this year turns its gaze toward the urgent need for sustainable architectural solutions, particularly in light of the growing threats posed by climate change. Themes such as housing, urban mobility, artificial intelligence, and the use of sustainable materials will be hot topics of debate, as professionals seek ways to address both the environmental and social dimensions of urban planning. With these conversations, the Biennial hopes to inspire action, not just reflection.
This gathering isn’t limited to architects alone; experts from diverse fields, political leaders, government entities, communicators, and citizens will join to foster open dialogue on the most pressing issues of today’s urban habitats. The event aims to bridge disciplines, encouraging collaboration toward a vision where cities are resilient, healthy, and deeply aligned with the natural ecosystems they inhabit.
Reshaping Urban Spaces: Key Themes of the Biennial
This year’s event brings a deeper focus on themes that go beyond architecture, highlighting the resilience of cities in the face of environmental challenges. Topics like the circular economy, the improvement of informal habitats, and the rise of biotectonic solutions take center stage. The integration of artificial intelligence in urban development also opens new avenues for sustainable design, offering fresh insights into how cities can adapt to rapidly changing climates.
Resilience and adaptation are among the most discussed ideas, with experts examining how cities must not only survive but thrive in a future marked by extreme weather, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity. With mobility solutions becoming a critical factor, the 29th Biennial stresses the importance of creating more equitable and efficient transportation systems to support both human and environmental well-being.
Recognizing Excellence in Architecture
The Biennial also serves as a platform for recognizing the most outstanding contributions to Colombian architecture. Prestigious awards, such as the Leopoldo Rother Prize for urban and regional planning, and the Fernando Martínez Sanabria Prize for architectural projects, will honor those whose work has profoundly shaped the country’s landscape.
Among the many categories, the Germán Samper Prize focuses on social habitat, while the Ricardo González Ripoll Prize celebrates achievements in residential design. Awards also recognize advancements in interior architecture, heritage conservation, and urban design, culminating in the coveted National Architecture and Urbanism Prize. This honor, bestowed upon those whose projects make a significant impact on the profession, serves as the highest distinction in Colombian architecture.
The closing of the Biennial will not only highlight the most innovative projects in architecture and urbanism but also propel a future where creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity intertwine to craft spaces that cater to all, regardless of socio-economic background.
A Shared Vision for the Future
More than just an architectural gathering, the 29th Colombian Architecture Biennial stands as a transformative space, where the fusion of technology, creativity, and environmental awareness paints a vision of what cities could become. As the event draws to a close, participants will leave with new ideas and a renewed commitment to using architecture as a tool for positive change, ensuring that future generations inherit a world that is not only built but beautifully crafted for both human and planetary well-being.
