Shaping Contemporary Realities: Architecture and Beyond Symposium
Symposium
@ IIT College of Architecture, Experimental Station & The Chicago Architecture Center
From September 24 to 26, join us for a three-day public symposium on architecture in Chicago.
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.
In partnership with
Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability, performance and well-being for its customers. The Group is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”. Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- €46.5 billion in sales in 2025
- 162,000 employees, locations in 81 countries
For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/ and follow us on LinkedIn Saint-Gobain
Albertine Foundation
Albertine Foundation is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting French American relations through innovative cultural and educational programs. In close partnership with Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, Albertine Foundation administers grant programs across diverse creative disciplines including visual and performing arts; cinema; and literature, while also supporting exploratory residencies for creative professionals and thinkers across the United States. Albertine Foundation also contributes to promoting French language learning in the United States and funds new opportunities for students, professors, and researchers in the spheres of secondary and higher education. Albertine Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation by Internal Revenue Service determination. Contributions from corporate, foundation, and individuals are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation is a philanthropic organization that supports the built environment, architectural excellence, and historic preservation in Chicago through strategic grantmaking. This mission is closely integrated with the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, which is housed in the landmarked 1883 Samuel M. Nickerson House. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the decorative arts and architecture of the Gilded Age, serving as a primary cultural venue that connects the foundation’s philanthropic goals with the public study of the city’s architectural heritage.
Constructing a Sustainable Future (CSF)
Constructing a Sustainable Future (CSF) is an international media platform dedicated to sustainable construction, part of the Sustainable Construction Observatory launched by Saint-Gobain. It aims to engage architects and other built environment stakeholders to raise awareness and deepen understanding of sustainable construction. Through articles, interviews, podcasts, videos and in-depth reports, CSF highlights innovative solutions, showcases exemplary projects from around the world and gives voice to those advancing the sector. It covers topics including decarbonization, circularity, renovation, energy efficiency, quality of life, urbanization, climate adaptation and resilience, public policy, and economics. Each year, its annual print edition explores a major challenge shaping the future of sustainable construction and is distributed in print and online to a broad international network of stakeholders and collaborators. Constructing a Sustainable Future is proud to partner with Villa Albertine Chicago for its 2026 Symposium, helping advance dialogue and awareness around sustainable construction.
Discover their latest annual edition: Sustainable Construction Means Decarbonization And Also…