In a historic move, the Chicago Architecture Biennial (CAB) has appointed Florencia Rodriguez as the Artistic Director for its sixth edition, making her the first Latina to hold this prestigious position. Rodriguez, an influential writer, editor, and Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Architecture, will lead CAB’s 2025 event, titled “Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change.” Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the Biennial as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, symbolizing a fresh and inclusive vision for the future of architecture and design.
CAB, North America’s largest exhibition of contemporary architecture, has been an international platform for dialogue around urbanism and design since its inception in 2015, drawing over 2.2 million visitors and featuring projects from nearly 50 countries. Rodriguez’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as the Biennial embarks on its second decade, aiming to broaden its scope and address global challenges like housing, migration, and ecological change through the lens of architecture.
Governor JB Pritzker applauded the Biennial’s choice, noting the significance of Rodriguez’s appointment in expanding CAB’s global and cultural perspectives. “Since its inception, the Biennial has both challenged and entertained local audiences and national and international visitors to our state. I have every expectation that CAB 6 will achieve those same goals and look forward to its opening in September 2025,” Pritzker stated.
A Visionary Leader for a Transformative Biennial
Rodriguez’s background in architectural journalism and academia positions her as a unique voice to lead CAB 6. She has dedicated her career to examining architecture’s relationship with culture, society, and identity, and sees the upcoming Biennial as an opportunity to showcase how architecture can shape the future in transformative ways. “It’s a tremendous honor to lead the most important architecture exhibition in the United States,” she remarked. “As a cultural practice, architecture represents how we live and the futures we envision. Shift will be an opportunity to gather global experiences, ideas, and projects that create an archive of contemporary architecture to inform decision-making, education, debate, and collective thinking about the world we design.”
Her vision for CAB 6, titled “Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change,” underscores architecture’s role in responding to the social and environmental forces reshaping cities worldwide. The exhibition will focus on pressing issues such as sustainable housing, migration, and ecological resilience, bringing together voices from across the globe to imagine innovative solutions. Rodriguez’s approach promises to make CAB 6 an inclusive forum for design ideas that resonate far beyond Chicago.
Celebrating a Decade of Innovation
As CAB marks a decade of success, its 2025 edition will serve as a celebration of its impact on the architectural world. Since its founding, CAB has created a public, accessible platform for innovative ideas in design, contributing over 400 original projects by architects, designers, and artists from around the world. By selecting Rodriguez, CAB affirms its commitment to expanding the diversity of perspectives it presents.
The main exhibition for CAB 6 will open on September 12, 2025, at the Chicago Cultural Center, CAB’s traditional headquarters, and will run through February 28, 2026. Situated within the bustling Millennium Park Campus, this historic venue will serve as the Biennial’s hub for installations, events, and discussions. Partnerships with local and international organizations will extend the reach of the Biennial across Chicago’s neighborhoods and beyond, transforming the city into a dynamic platform for architecture and design discourse.
CAB Board Chairman Jack Guthman spoke to the importance of Rodriguez’s leadership and CAB’s ongoing commitment to public engagement. “The Biennial will again be a city-wide celebration of architecture and design—a forum for dialogue about the built environment in the American city most renowned for its architectural heritage,” Guthman said. “We greatly value our partnerships with the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and other arts and cultural venues across Chicago.”
Bringing Architecture to Global and Local Audiences
Under Rodriguez’s leadership, CAB 6 will extend its reach through a range of virtual programming, including a podcast series featuring global design leaders and an international open call for ideas. Youth engagement will also play a key role, with CAB’s robust education program aiming to inspire young people to explore the built environment and imagine sustainable futures.
Through these initiatives, Rodriguez hopes to make CAB 6 accessible to a broader audience, not just in Chicago but globally. “Shift” will invite diverse perspectives and participants, creating an archive of ideas that will remain relevant long after the Biennial closes. The Biennial will also collaborate with international architecture schools to engage students and young architects in the conversation, underscoring CAB’s commitment to fostering the next generation of design leaders.
DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth expressed excitement about Rodriguez’s appointment and CAB’s ongoing influence in Chicago’s cultural landscape. “The influence of our city’s art is characterized by boldness, innovation, and diversity – everything the Biennial embodies,” Hedspeth said. “We eagerly await the 2025 edition and are proud to support CAB’s mission.”
Looking Forward to a New Era for CAB
With Rodriguez at the helm, CAB’s sixth edition promises to be a landmark event, both for its celebration of a decade of architectural innovation and for its forward-thinking agenda. As the first Latina Artistic Director, Rodriguez’s appointment not only reflects a more inclusive Biennial but also highlights architecture’s potential as a cultural practice that responds to real-world challenges. By uniting local and international voices to address global issues, Rodriguez’s vision for “Shift” will reaffirm CAB’s status as a leading platform for architectural dialogue.
Participants and program partners for CAB 6 will be announced in early 2025, building anticipation for what is set to be one of the Biennial’s most significant editions to date. With exhibitions, installations, virtual programs, and a wealth of educational initiatives, CAB 6 will not only spotlight architecture’s role in society but also set the stage for CAB’s next decade of growth and impact. As Rodriguez leads this ambitious journey, the Chicago Architecture Biennial is poised to make a lasting mark on the future of design.
