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September Global Exhibitions: A Curated Guide to Art, Architecture, and Design

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September heralds a dynamic new season of global art, architecture, and design exhibitions, featuring prominent retrospectives, immersive installations, and in-depth studies of individual artists. This month's curated selection traverses continents, showcasing works from renowned figures such as Yayoi Kusama and Remedios Varo, to contemporary artists like Maurizio Cattelan and Do Ho Suh, alongside the return of Homo Faber to Venice. Cities like Tokyo, Mumbai, Lisbon, and New York host diverse shows exploring themes including artificial intelligence, modern living, craftsmanship, technology, and the natural environment.

These exhibitions provide a comprehensive look at both historical and contemporary artistic endeavors. From detailed reconstructions of domestic worlds to expansive surveys spanning decades of artistic evolution, each presentation offers a unique perspective on creative practice and its engagement with broader societal themes. The featured installations employ various mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, and site-specific architectural interventions, transforming spaces and challenging conventional perceptions of art.

Global Art and Design Highlights

This September, the international art scene is abuzz with a multitude of captivating exhibitions, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to engage with diverse artistic expressions. From the intimate reconstruction of Wendell Castle's domestic life at Friedman Benda in New York to Do Ho Suh's expansive exploration of home and migration at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, each exhibition offers a unique lens through which to view the interplay between art, personal experience, and global narratives. The offerings extend to major retrospectives of influential figures such as Yayoi Kusama at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and Remedios Varo at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, both providing in-depth insights into their groundbreaking contributions to art history. Meanwhile, contemporary showcases like 'Water Works' by raumlaborberlin in Tokyo and 'Second Nature' in Mumbai delve into critical topics like sustainable urbanism and the evolving relationship between technology and the environment.

The breadth of these global exhibitions underscores the dynamic nature of the art and design world. In New York, 'Wendell Castle: Living' meticulously recreates a shared domestic environment, allowing viewers to see furniture and ceramics within their original lived context, highlighting the artist's sculptural approach to functional objects. Do Ho Suh's retrospective in Seoul, his largest to date, showcases five hundred works that meticulously trace his thirty-year career, emphasizing themes of displacement and the profound connection between memory and the spaces we inhabit. Yayoi Kusama's extensive European retrospective at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam spans over seven decades, featuring paintings, sculptures, and installations that explore her enduring fascination with repetition, infinity, and self-dissolution. Similarly, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art dedicates its first major European exhibition to Remedios Varo, displaying over seventy works that merge scientific inquiry with mysticism and the occult, populated by fantastical creatures and machines. These exhibitions collectively provide a rich tapestry of artistic innovation and cultural reflection.

Innovative Installations and Conceptual Explorations

Beyond traditional retrospectives, September's exhibitions also feature innovative installations and conceptual explorations that push the boundaries of artistic expression. Maurizio Cattelan's 'NIGHT' at Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie employs the museum's architecture to challenge perceptions of authority and memory, creating a unique dialogue between his historical works and new site-specific commissions. Meanwhile, 'Learning from “Hōjōki”' at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Tokyo reinterprets a 13th-century text through contemporary architectural propositions, inviting reflection on minimalist living. In Seoul, Koo Jeong A's 'OUSSSMOS' at the Leeum Museum of Art transforms sensory experiences through phosphorescence, scent, and magnetism, creating immersive environments that extend beyond physical boundaries. These presentations, along with Tony Oursler's exploration of technology and spiritual knowledge in Tokyo and Liu Wei's facade commission at The Met, collectively showcase the diverse ways artists are engaging with complex ideas and new technologies.

The conceptual depth of these exhibitions is particularly noteworthy. Maurizio Cattelan’s 'NIGHT' transforms Mies van der Rohe's iconic glass-and-steel building into an integral part of the artistic narrative, inviting viewers to interact with the space in novel ways and reconsider familiar works within a new context. In Tokyo, 'Learning from “Hōjōki”' presents architects, designers, and artists reinterpreting the concept of a ten-foot-square hut, offering physical and philosophical insights into contemporary habitation and resource efficiency. Koo Jeong A’s 'OUSSSMOS' in Seoul delves into the artist's unique conceptual universe, utilizing subtle forces and large-scale installations to manipulate sensory experiences and challenge perceptions of space. Additionally, Tony Oursler's exhibition in Tokyo explores the intricate intersections of technology, psychology, and belief, incorporating video, sculpture, and sound to examine themes from surveillance to the paranormal. Finally, Liu Wei's 'Speculation' at The Met's Genesis Facade Commission in New York employs recurring hand motifs to explore urban fragments, historical imagery, and the body, reflecting on cycles of societal change and marking his first major presentation in the United States.

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Tectoniques' Stone-Clad Cultural Hub in Vaison-la-Romaine

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Wuhan's Chenhu Wetland Observation Tower: A Double Helix of Discovery

Building materials

Kengo Kuma Honored with Prestigious Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award

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Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, born in Yokohama in 1954, has been selected as the recipient of the distinguished Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor acknowledges his remarkable career spanning over thirty years, marked by a consistent dedication to exploring the deep connections between the built environment and nature, the innovative use of diverse materials, and a profound respect for traditional Japanese aesthetics. The award ceremony is scheduled for January 16th, 2027, at the Shangri-La Paris, coinciding with the Créateurs Design Awards celebration.

Kuma established Kengo Kuma & Associates in Tokyo in 1990, later expanding his international presence with a Paris office in 2008. His firm's portfolio showcases a wide array of global projects, from the V&A Dundee in Scotland to the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, and more recently, the Saint-Denis Pleyel station in Paris, completed in 2024. Beyond his architectural endeavors, Kuma has also contributed significantly to academia, serving as a professor at the University of Tokyo since 2009. His work consistently bridges contemporary construction methods with references to Japanese architectural traditions, emphasizing the expressive potential of materials and the seamless integration of structures with their surroundings.

A Legacy of Harmony: Kuma's Vision in Architecture

Kengo Kuma's recognition with the Andrée Putman Lifetime Achievement Award highlights his enduring commitment to an architectural philosophy that seeks to bridge the divide between human habitation and the natural world. This award acknowledges not just individual structures, but the comprehensive trajectory of his career, which seamlessly weaves together architectural practice, scholarly writing, educational contributions, and a distinctive design approach. His work is characterized by a persistent inquiry into how architecture can serve as a conduit for re-establishing a harmonious relationship between people and their environment, a central theme that has guided his practice for over three decades across multiple continents.

Kuma's architectural endeavors are deeply rooted in a dialogue between traditional Japanese design principles and contemporary construction techniques. This approach is evident in his meticulous selection and application of materials, which often draw inspiration from natural elements and local contexts. The jury for the Créateurs Design Awards emphasized that their decision to honor Kuma reflects a recognition of his holistic pursuit of this architectural vision, rather than focusing on any single building. This perspective aligns with the spirit of Andrée Putman herself, who championed a design ethos that celebrated the interplay between tradition and modernity, a characteristic also embodied in Kuma's prolific and influential work.

The Intersection of Tradition, Material, and Nature in Kuma's Designs

The core of Kengo Kuma's architectural philosophy revolves around the intricate interplay of tradition, material, and nature. Throughout his extensive career, he has consistently challenged conventional notions of space by integrating natural elements and traditional Japanese building techniques into his contemporary designs. His projects often feature an emphasis on transparency, lightness, and a profound connection to the surrounding landscape, demonstrating a conscious effort to create environments that evoke a sense of calm and belonging. This approach has earned him international acclaim, distinguishing his work for its sensitive and thoughtful engagement with site-specific conditions and cultural heritage.

Kuma himself describes his practice as a long-distance pursuit aimed at achieving equilibrium between humanity and nature, viewing writing as an integral part of this journey. This personal reflection underscores the intellectual depth behind his architectural creations, where ideas explored in his essays and books often materialize in his designs. The award celebrates this integrated approach, recognizing his significant contributions to architecture, education, and design thought. His continuous exploration of how buildings can respect and enhance their natural settings, while also embracing modern functionality, makes him a pivotal figure in contemporary architecture, influencing a generation of designers to consider a more sustainable and contextually aware future for the built world.

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Přerov City Hall Transformed into Open Civic Facility by Atelier Gram

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The comprehensive revitalization of Přerov City Hall, undertaken by Atelier Gram, has transformed a once secluded government edifice, originally constructed in 1969, into an inviting and versatile public facility. This architectural endeavor meticulously maintains the existing steel framework and precast concrete panels, while simultaneously integrating modern design principles, advanced materials, and cutting-edge technologies. These updates address critical contemporary standards, encompassing energy conservation, fire safety protocols, occupant comfort, and enduring functionality. A striking new glass-enclosed staircase, gracing the building's southern façade, emerges as a pivotal design intervention, seamlessly connecting the administrative zones with dynamic exhibition spaces, casual meeting points, and various public amenities.

This initiative represents a significant reinterpretation of civic architecture, moving beyond the confines of a purely administrative role. The original structure, a product of modernist public building trends, was characterized by its functional layout and a somewhat insular relationship with its urban context. The renovation strategically reorients the building to embrace T. G. M. square and integrate functionalities that extend well beyond municipal services. This transformation positions the City Hall as a vital piece of civic infrastructure, where circulation paths, gathering areas, display zones, and governmental offices are harmoniously interwoven within a more accessible and inclusive architectural framework.

Opening the Administrative Core: The Glazed Staircase and Public Connectivity

The newly introduced glazed staircase, positioned along the south façade facing the bustling city square, acts as the primary organizational element of the entire redevelopment. Encased in transparent glass, this feature provides seamless vertical movement throughout the building, simultaneously making the internal flow of activity visible from the public realm. Beyond its primary function for circulation, the staircase thoughtfully incorporates exhibition spaces and informal meeting zones, thus drawing activities traditionally confined to internal corridors closer to the building's exterior and the public eye.

This intervention by the Czech design practice Atelier Gram meticulously crafts a diagonal public trajectory through the edifice, commencing at the ground-level reception area and ascending to the uppermost floor, where the registry office and a café are situated. This carefully designed circulation sequence establishes a fresh connection between the city square, the various municipal offices, and the accessible rooftop level, offering a new public destination above the traditionally administrative floors. The ground floor entrance, characterized by its full glazing, forges a direct visual and spatial link with T. G. M. square, allowing clear views through the structure to the rear courtyard. This design significantly blurs the lines between public and municipal spaces, effectively extending the public square into the building's interior.

Sustainable Integration and Adaptive Design

Internally, the removal of non-load-bearing partitions has facilitated the creation of expansive, open floor plans, thoughtfully organized around a robust central core. This flexible arrangement allows for the easy reconfiguration of workspaces to adapt to evolving needs, utilizing lightweight partitions without requiring modifications to the primary structural system. This approach not only enhances spatial adaptability but also ensures a cost-effective construction strategy by minimizing extensive structural interventions. The open-plan design strategically leverages the building's existing modernist structural elements, preserving the original load-bearing components while reorganizing the interior layout around them. This thoughtful integration of past and present results in a building that is both adaptable and economically efficient.

The material strategy employed in the renovation is rooted in preserving the valuable characteristics of the late-1960s structure, while integrating new layers to meet contemporary technical and environmental demands. The original load-bearing steel frame and the pre-fabricated reinforced-concrete PZD floor and ceiling slabs have been retained. These elements underwent thorough cleaning, structural assessment, and adaptation for their renewed purpose. Consequently, the building's original construction remains discernible within the revitalized space, while new finishes and technical systems contribute to a modern architectural aesthetic. The facade's renewal respects the original modular design, featuring alternating glazed and solid panels that maintain the proportions and rhythm of the 1969 building. Enhanced thermal insulation and modern window and door installations improve the building envelope's performance, all while preserving its fundamental composition.

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