Shaping Contemporary Realities: Architecture and Beyond Symposium

This fall, Villa Albertine Chicago is expanding its architecture-focused public programming with a series of events supported by Saint-Gobain, global leader in light and sustainable construction.

Following the presentation of the French Pavilion Living with / Vivre Avec from the Venice Architecture Biennale in Chicago (November 2025–February 2026), and the organization of a Summer Academy in Architecture and Urban Studies in Paris that brought together 20 French and American students in architecture and urban studies, Villa Albertine Chicago and MAS Context are organizing a three-day symposium bringing together leading voices to explore the future of sustainable architecture.

The symposium will foster lively French – US exchanges through the perspectives of more than 35 architects, landscape architects, urban planners, curators, artists, scientists, researchers, philosophers, industry partners, and leading experts exploring three key themes: innovative adaptation, civic change-making, and flourishing environments.

Each day will take place at a different venue—the IIT College of Architecture, Experimental Station, and the Chicago Architecture Center—and will combine short talks, public Q&A sessions, and guided tours.

The program is free and open to professionals, academics, students, and the broader public. The full program will be available in late August.