SHIFT: Ecologies

Led by Artistic Director Florencia Rodriguez, SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change signals the opportunity and need to change direction—an invitation to think with others and to set new grounds for the interpretation and design of our built environments. The exhibition is organized around a series of thematic capsules: exhibitions and programs that each explore a particular idea, question, or mode of practice.

At 840 N. Michigan Ave, the Biennial transforms over 65,000 square feet of former retail space into a vibrant cultural destination where architecture, art, and design converge. As the Biennial’s fifth site, 840 N. Michigan Ave showcases two central capsules—SHIFT and Ecologies—with more than 30 installations by over 35 artists and studios from around the world. Spanning four floors of this landmark building, the exhibition explores how design shapes and responds to the natural, cultural, and social forces that sustain and challenge us.

SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change, presents works reflecting on architecture’s capacity to respond to global challenges.
Participants include: 322A; alsar-atelier; BairBalliet; Besler & Sons; gt2P; Stewart Hicks; Tonika Lewis Johnson and Amanda Williams in Collaboration; Johnston Marklee; LAMA.SP; Luftwerk; and Alfredo Thiermann with Pedro Correa, Ella Neumaier, and Xavier Nueno

Ecologies examines architecture as part of interconnected systems—climate, technology, food, and the body—positioning design within the broader webs of life that sustain and challenge us.
Participants  include: The Bittertang Farm; Blanco, Estudio Jochamowitz Rivera and Ghezzi Novak; C+ arquitectas (Nerea Calvillo with Toby Chai, Manu Alba Montes, Xingyu Huang and Jasper Nord); La Cabina de la Curiosidad; CLUAA; Juan Du; Estudio Flume; Estudio Planta; Ibañez Kim; Laboratory of Intersectional Ecologies / Alejandro Haiek Coll and Lolo Rebecca Rudolph; LIGA, Space for Architecture; Rozana Montiel; Ivan L. Munuera and TAKK (Mireia Luzárraga and Alejandro Muiño); Natura Futura; Oshinowo Studio; Parsons & Charlesworth; STOSS Landscape Urbanism + MPdL Studio with Mark Lamster; Studio Urbane Strategien; Sungjang; UNA / UNLESS; and Worofila

In addition, 840 N. Michigan Ave. also hosts the exhibition Living With / Vivre Avec curated by Dominique Jakob and Brendan Macfarlane, in collaboration with Éric Daniel-Lacombe and Martin Duplantie.

As part of the Biennial’s SHIFT programming, the site will host a range of events, performances, and panels—details to be announced on the calendar of events.

Open November 7, 2025.