Asia’s largest public architecture festival, the 5th Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism (SBAU), opens this month with a bold call to make cities “Radically More Human”. Running from 26 September to 18 November, the 54-day event transforms venues across the South Korean capital, including Songhyeon Green Plaza and the Seoul Hall of Urbanism & Architecture.
Curated by acclaimed British designer Thomas Heatherwick, the Biennale challenges the dominance of purely functional or profit-driven urban design. At its core stands the striking “Humanise Wall”, a four-storey, 90-metre-long installation built from 1,428 steel tiles etched with ideas from citizens, scientists and designers. With contributions from 110 architects representing 38 countries, the Wall acts as both a manifesto and a conversation starter about how buildings can foster joy, health and community.
Alongside, 24 “Walls of Public Life”—fragments of facades crafted not only by architects but also by chefs, fashion designers and other creatives—demonstrate how exteriors can shape urban character and daily interaction.
Heatherwick, General Director of this year’s Biennale, explained: “In a world where people feel stressed and divided, we need buildings that bring us together. Seoul is boldly demanding cities that are generous, full of character, and built to last.”
The Biennale opens with the “Emotional City” Forum, bringing together 400 experts to debate how urban environments affect public health. It will also unveil new findings from the Humanise Campaign, an international research initiative on emotional well-being and the built environment. Performances by choreographer Jinyeob Cha and a special appearance from Emmy-winning actor Lee Jung-jae are expected to draw wide public attention.
The programme includes several major exhibitions:
- Grassroots Seoul – presenting the feelings and visions of 500 citizens on their city’s architecture.
- Emotionally Yours, Seoul – a participatory digital artwork where people worldwide share photos and emotions linked to building facades.
- The City’s Face – showcasing projects from 20 cities that reimagine human-centred architecture.
- From a Bird’s Eye to the Human Eye – highlighting 18 new buildings and public spaces set to shape Seoul’s future.
City officials emphasise the Biennale’s role in strengthening public life. Chang Su Lim, Director General of the Future Urban Spaces Planning Bureau, said: “The Seoul Biennale makes the city more attractive and liveable through citizens’ participation.”
Now in its fifth edition, SBAU has become a global platform for exploring the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. All events are free and open to the public, with registration available online at www.yeyak.seoul.go.kr. Further information is provided on www.seoulbiennale.org.
With its focus on blending global expertise and grassroots voices, this year’s Biennale positions Seoul as a laboratory for cities worldwide seeking more human-centred futures.
