When you enter the Biennale of Architecture you will notice that you stepped into a space of creative thinking that goes beyond the traditional blueprint dimension. It’s a volume of creativity condensed into one spot where the ability to express innovation comes true.

This event isn’t just about buildings and regulatory plans but how a new philosophy and approach on living spaces can be reshaped, debunking the myth that change can only happen in a long span of time. This change has the shape of assessing the need of communities and their potential to draw new solutions: better urban design, better construction materials, better relocation, better design.

Space, structure, creativity, all assets that made the event more than just a showcase of objects and theories; the Biennale focused on the sustainability of creating better environments for the communities in need. Chilean architect Alejadro Aravena is the curator of the event bringing a strong message where good deeds must be pursued, not just in words or drawings, but in true projects to make urban space better.

The exhibition takes place in Venice, Italy, from May 28th 2016 until Novenber 27th 2016, and I encourage those who have the ability to reach the place to give it a try and be mesmerized by the beauty and proposals that each participating country has to offer. Canada, France, Italy, Egypt, Serbia, Brazil, Japan, Peru, are some of the nations with great proposals for an innovative future of urban settings, raising the question over the human ability to make cities a better place to live.

The Biennale offers two sites in Venice where you can explore and have your mind blown: the Giardini with each country’s pavilion, and the Arsenale where the theme Reporting From The Front will explain how important it the care of the urban design and its complexity.

City growth, population density, migration issues, sustainability, are some of the topics you can encounter while understanding how you can tackle their issues. Overpopulation, resources scarcity, geopolitics, are other important thematic explored and explained through a pattern of interactive visuals where the public witnesses the evolution of building better infrastructures.

It was my first event of such scale where I found the melting pot of different views on architecture and design. You can find examples of building techniques that have a deep legacy with the past, yet are ready to be used in this modern reality of digital age we live in; natural elements like clay, hay, wood, are the protagonists that remind us how we can craft better living condition with simple materials without relying too much on technology.

I visited the Biennale twice in August in two days in a row and left fully satisfied that I can be part of such change for a sustainable urban environment. It was such positive experience that I can only recommend it to those who are keen on architecture and design, but also towards those who are curious since imagination and creativity are the driving force of true change.