September 24–26, 2026
From September 24 to 26, 2026, Villa Albertine in Chicago and MAS Context present Shaping Contemporary Realities: Architecture and Beyond, an international symposium that will transform Chicago into a platform for French-US dialogue on the future of architecture, innovation, and the built environment.
“Shaping Contemporary Realities: Architecture and Beyond celebrates architecture not only as the art of building, but also as a catalyst for cultural dialogue, scientific innovation, and civic imagination,” explains Nathalie Filser, director of Villa Albertine in Chicago.
The symposium will foster lively transatlantic exchanges through the perspectives of architects, landscape architects, urban planners, curators, artists, scientists, researchers, writers, industry partners, and leading experts exploring three key themes: Innovative Adaptation, Civic Changemaking, and Flourishing Environments.
“We are at a time when architecture is increasingly called upon to address climate change, engage with technological transformations, and support evolving ways of living,” adds Iker Gil, founder and editor in chief of MAS Context. “Shaping Contemporary Realities: Architecture and Beyond positions Chicago as a critical meeting point to discuss ideas, build partnerships, and share innovations that are shaping the future of our built world.”
“The future of sustainable construction depends on stronger collaboration across the entire construction value chain. Bringing together architects, industry leaders, researchers, institutions, and communities is essential to building a shared understanding of both the challenges ahead and the solutions already available,” says Fabienne Robert, Sustainable Construction Observatory and International External Relations Director of Saint-Gobain. “Through its Sustainable Construction Observatory, Saint-Gobain fosters this dialogue. Its media outlet, Constructing a Sustainable Future, extends these conversations to a broader international audience. And symposia like this one bring them to life.”
Presenters, moderators, and tour leaders include Alissa Anderson, Stefania Becheanu, Elizabeth Blasius, Sabina Bokhari, Monica Chadha, Rebekah Coffman, Cesar Constantino, Cyril Desroche, Lynda Dossey, Sarah Dunn, Justin Félix, Mathieu Forest, Anirban Ghosh, Iker Gil, Eleanor Esser Gorski, Béatrice Grenier, Reed Kroloff, David Lo Buglio, Philippe Madec, Faheem Majeed, Donna Robertson, John Ronan, Nora Semel, Mark Sexton, Connie Spreen, Filip Tejchman, Douglas Voigt, Cynthia Vranas, and Sonia Vu.
Each day will take place at a different venue and will combine short talks, public Q&A sessions, and expert-led guided visits, offering participants direct access to exemplary architectural sites and current urban transformations.
Day one: Thursday, September 24 on the theme of “Innovative Adaptation”
Location: Illinois Institute of Technology, School of Architecture (3360 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616)
Day two: Friday, September 25 on the theme of “Civic Changemaking”
Location: Experimental Station (6100 S. Blackstone Ave., Chicago, IL 60637)
Day three: Saturday, September 26 on the theme of “Flourishing Environments”
Location: Chicago Architecture Center (111 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601)
The discussions will foster transatlantic exchanges around contemporary architectural achievements and construction projects, pioneering research, technological innovation, experimental pilot initiatives, and interdisciplinary collaborations between architects, scientists, artists, industry partners, and other leading thinkers shaping tomorrow’s cities. Adding a unique sensory dimension to the event, a participatory sound artwork created by a sound artist, Stefania Becheanu, recipient of the 2026 Villa Albertine Music grant, will invite visitors to contribute their own voices and perceptions, creating a collective acoustic portrait of the symposium and its exploration of contemporary realities.
The program is free and open to professionals, academics, students, and the broader public.
Symposium credits
The symposium is organized by Villa Albertine and MAS Context, with leading support by Saint-Gobain. Additional support is provided by Albertine Foundation, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, IIT School of Architecture, Experimental Station, and Chicago Architecture Center. The Driehaus Museum is a collaborating institution. Editorial partners include States—Villa Albertine and Constructing a Sustainable Future.
