The EU participates for first time at the Buenos Aires International Architecture Biennale

With various activities the EU shared and promoted the principles of the New European Bauhaus, exploring new aesthetic, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions. The New European Bauhaus was the central theme of activities led by the EU during the 19th Buenos Aires International Architecture Biennial.

The New European Bauhaus movement aims to transform the way people live, work, and interact with their surroundings. The EU Delegation to Argentina promoted the New European Bauhaus principles during its participation in the event. The event brought together leading figures in architecture, urbanism, art, and design from the region and around the world.

"In a world facing global challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and rapid urbanisation, the New European Bauhaus emerges as a comprehensive and visionary response. We are at a turning point where architecture and design can and must be agents of positive change," emphasized Sánchez Rico, Ambassador of the European Union to Argentina.

The activities offered by the EU during the Biennale included the workshop "Urban Nature as a Tool for Intervention in Public Spaces," led by Manoela Machado and Pedro Lira, founding partners of Natureza Urbana. Joined by more than 50 architecture students from various universities, the specialists developed a participatory dynamic, which will result in an urban intervention project to be implemented in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. This project will serve as the EU’s legacy to the Biennial.

With the presence of Iván Blasi, coordinator of the Mies van der Rohe Foundation Awards in Barcelona, the opening ceremony of the EU Contemporary Architecture Prize exhibition, the EUMIES AWARDS, was also held at the Palacio Libertad. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 28 October.

The exhibition showcases the 40 works that were part of one of the most prestigious awards in the field of contemporary architecture, which explores new approaches and perspectives to deepen environmental awareness and envision a sustainable future.

"It has been a pleasure to bring the EUmies Awards exhibition to Argentina thanks to the EU Delegation in the country, as it represents a unique opportunity to share and raise awareness about quality architecture and its contribution to citizens' well-being and sustainable development, while discussing the shared challenges we face in both Europe and Argentina," said Iván Blasi, the Mies van der Rohe Foundation.

Transmitting the values of the New European Bauhaus in Argentina and Latin America is key to promoting a more sustainable and inclusive development in the region. By integrating art, sustainability, and technology, these principles can inspire solutions that respect the environment, promote social equity, and celebrate cultural diversity, while adapting to local challenges and fostering more just and creative communities.

“This is the first time in history that the European Union has participated in the Architecture Biennial. What we want is to give maximum visibility to the New European Bauhaus, where art and creativity are not at odds with the new challenges we face, such as sustainability, innovation, diversity, and aesthetics. On the contrary, all of these concepts can go hand in hand,” concluded Sánchez Rico.

The activities attracted over 45,000 visitors during the five-day event held at the Faena Arts Centre.