Exploring common goals at the Seoul Biennale of Architecture 2017

Around the world architects are looking at different ways to deal with the challenges of urbanism. The Seoul Biennale of Architecture 2017 begins on September 2nd and will run until November 5th. The theme for this year is Imminent Commons and will provide a better insight into urban architecture in the Korean capital and other cities around the world. There will be an exploration of "interactive regeneration", those projects that seek to improve spaces and create a humanistic city. The Biennale will feature two main exhibitions. The first is the 9 Commons of urban areas and will see 40 teams from 24 different countries presenting their ideas. It will explore how good urban planning, architecture, and housing can help to resolve inequality in cities. The focus is on how to use technology and other resources to satisfy common goals of people in urban areas.The second major exhibition is Commoning Cities. It will see participants from 50 major cities from around the world presenting public projects. This part of the show will look at how common values can be promoted. The insight into Seoul will be particularly interesting because the city is not renowned for celebrating its architecture. In addition cities like London, Paris, Rome, Dubai, Tehran, Sao Paulo, and many others are all participating.On top of the two major exhibitions there will be a series of live projects and public programmes. Visitors can enjoy tours, video, film, and musical events, educational talks, lectures, and workshops too.One of the most interesting programmes is Urban Foodshed. It will look at Seoul and issues surrounding food production, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture in urban areas. The exploration of how to meet demands for food in modern cities with huge populations is very important.At Coffey Architects, a leading architect London based clients from the residential, commercial and public sectors can call on for creative solutions, we understand the challenges with urbanisation. It is fantastic to see such a high profile Biennale focusing on the problems and exploring solutions. It will be an interesting event and will help to promote innovative ideas. We couldn't be more excited for it.