The upcoming third edition of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT03), titled 'Architecture Otherwise: Building Civic Infrastructure for Collective Futures', promises to be a profound exploration of architectural practice beyond conventional building and design. Slated to open on November 14, 2026, and run until April 14, 2027, the event will gather 32 diverse participants from fields including architecture, anthropology, urbanism, and art. Curated by Vyjayanthi Rao and co-curated by Tau Tavengwa, the Triennial will transform Sharjah into a vibrant hub for dialogue, featuring installations, films, workshops, and public programs that delve into crucial societal themes such as migration, climate adaptation, and collective memory. This edition aims to highlight architecture's embeddedness in daily social and political realities, offering fresh perspectives on how civic infrastructures can foster shared futures.
Under the curatorial vision of 'Architecture Otherwise', the Triennial moves beyond a singular focus on physical structures to examine the broader systems and relationships that underpin collective existence. Key themes include migration, climate adaptation, food systems, public spaces, cultural heritage, and education. Many of the featured projects have been developed through extensive research and residency programs conducted in Sharjah, enabling participants to directly engage with the city's complex urban landscape and respond to both local narratives and global challenges. This approach ensures that the exhibition is deeply rooted in contemporary issues, providing relevant and impactful insights.
A significant portion of the exhibits will explore themes of mobility, adaptability, and transient occupation within architectural contexts. For instance, artists Hiba Bou Akar, Mohamad Hafeda, and Nathalie Harb will showcase shelter-like installations that draw inspiration from the histories of displacement in Lebanon, utilizing materials often found in refugee settlements. Similarly, Turkish artists Aslıhan Demirtaş, Ali Cindoruk, and Dilşad Aladağ will present a new iteration of 'Tumblespace', a mobile structure designed to facilitate temporary gatherings and discussions, echoing nomadic traditions. Further contributions include People's Architecture Office's reinterpretation of handcarts as versatile civic platforms, and ABARI's large-scale woven bamboo structure, which is designed for disassembly and relocation, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability.
The Triennial also delves into the interplay between infrastructure, natural environments, and urban evolution. Kush Badhwar's film examines the ecological and social repercussions of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, presenting the perspectives of affected communities. Rajesh Vora and the National Institute of Design will revisit the Sabarmati River's transformation over six decades, illustrating how significant redevelopment projects have altered its ecological and civic functions. Collaborative efforts by groups such as Megawra Built Environment Collective, RIWAQ, POCAA, and Social Design Collaborative will highlight community-led initiatives in heritage preservation and urban development, exploring co-creation and migrant experiences as frameworks for envisioning alternative urban futures.
Furthermore, the exhibition will address topics of communal care, educational practices, and environmental resilience, positioning civic infrastructure beyond traditional urban boundaries. Azza Aboualam's 'Assemblies' project, building on previous research, will present a speculative greenhouse system for food production in arid regions. Nashin Mahtani and the Disaster Map Foundation will showcase Indonesia's PetaBencana, an open-source disaster-mapping platform, as a model for climate adaptation. Meanwhile, Curry J. Hackett will reflect on the role of educational institutions as vital civic spaces, specifically through the lens of Black schooling history in the United States. Projects by 'Let's Build Great Things!' and Kevin Kimwelle/Indalo World further investigate temporary public structures and circular construction methods, promoting collective building practices within the community.
The Sharjah Architecture Triennial’s third edition offers a comprehensive look into architecture as a dynamic and collective condition. Curator Vyjayanthi Rao emphasizes that the exhibition aims to explore how urban environments are experienced, shaped, and transformed through daily social and cultural practices, rather than solely through static architectural objects. Over five months, the Triennial will foster connections between materiality, ecology, technology, food, sound, and civic life, proposing new ways of understanding and engaging with our built environment. This extensive program, with additional talks and screenings to be announced, underscores a commitment to fostering a nuanced and inclusive discourse around architecture's role in society.
