10 must-see architecture and design events to check out this November

And just like that, it's November! With plenty of holidays just around the corner, it's a great opportunity to venture out and explore exciting events for the architecture and design community. 

From the long list of current and upcoming events listed on Bustler, we have curated a few recommendations worth checking out this month, including biennials (one closing soon and one just starting) in Chicago and Venice, film and photo festivals in Toronto and London, industry gatherings dedicated to sustainable design in Barcelona and the UK, and more exhibitions, conferences, and fairs in New York, Singapore, Dubai, and Southern Germany. 

Chicago Architecture Biennial | November 1 – February 11, 2024, Chicago

The Chicago Architecture Biennial, returning for the 5th edition, officially opened this week under the theme "This is a Rehearsal." A packed calendar from now until mid-February boasts exhibitions, tours, panel discussions, film screenings, and workshops across the Windy City. Need to catch up on the latest CAB5 developments? Follow our dedicated tag on Archinect to not miss a thing.

ADFF:TORONTO - Architecture & Design Film Festival | November 1–4, Toronto

The popular Architecture & Design Film Festival series is opening its curtains in Toronto this week with an impressive roster of films and speakers in celebration of the built environment. The TIFF Bell Lightbox venue on King Street will be hosting the festivities. 

Tomorrow. Building World Congress | November 7–9, Barcelona

The future of buildings and urban infrastructures will be under the public microscope in Barcelona next week at Tomorrow. Building World Congress, hosted within the framework of the latest Smart City Expo World Congress. Topics on the agenda this year include Design Tech, Green Districts, Decarbonized Infrastructure, PropTech, Liveable Cities, Urban Strategies & Management, and Smart Building. Knock yourselves out. 

Dubai Design Week | November 7–12, Dubai

If you're in the UAE this month, make sure to stop by Dubai Design Week, billed as "the region's largest design event." The 2023 program features a wide spectrum of exhibitions, workshops, and installations with regional as well as international designers. 

RIBA Photo Festival | November 8–11, London

In London, meanwhile, the Royal Institute of British Architects will be hosting the RIBA Photo Festival at its 66 Portland Place HQ. The four-day event seeks to facilitate "debate on the significance of this medium and its future in the digital age."

Sustainable Design Summit | November 28, London

Need another London recommendation for the end of the month? Check out this year's Sustainable Design Summit at the Museum of London Docklands on the 28th, bringing together interior designers in the cruise, hotels, and aircraft cabin sectors.

World Architecture Festival & Inside World Festival of Interiors | November 29 – December 1, Singapore

One of the industry's biggest annual gatherings returns to Singapore this year, presenting keynotes and talks from international speakers at the World Architecture Festival and its sister event, Inside World Festival of Interiors. Catch up on our previous WAF and INSIDE coverage, and stay tuned for the anticipated announcements of dedicated category awards and the coveted titles of World Building/INSIDE World Interior of the Year.

ONGOING EVENT CONTINUING THROUGH NOVEMBER

Biennale Architettura 2023: The Laboratory of the Future | Until November 26, Venice

The 18th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, curated by Lesley Lokko, is slowly drawing to a close after welcoming visitors from around the world to its grounds throughout the summer to investigate "The Laboratory of the Future." Dive into our previous Biennale coverage and explore a breakdown of all the national pavilions scattered across the lagoon city.

ONGOING EVENTS CONTINUING THROUGH 2024

Emerging Ecologies: Architecture and the Rise of Environmentalism | Until January 20, 2024, New York

Bored in New York? Take a stroll down to the Museum of Modern Art and discover important early works, both realized and unrealized, of environmentally forward-thinking architects of the 20th century currently on display in "Emerging Ecologies."

Iwan Baan: Moments in Architecture | Until March 3, Weil am Rhein

Should you find yourself in the picturesque Germany-Switzerland-France triangle this month, consider visiting the new Iwan Baan exhibition, which recently opened at the Vitra Design Museum. The first major retrospective of the celebrated architectural photographer's work, "Moments in Architecture" offers fascinating perspectives of buildings around the world, some designed by prominent contemporary architects, including Jean Nouvel, Francis Kéré, Kazuyo Sejima, Herzog & de Meuron, and Tatiana Bilbao.

Do you have an architecture or design event you want to promote? Submit it to our event calendar via Bustler for review and a potential feature.