Presented by The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union and the Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism

The thirteenth Spanish Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (XIII BEAU) will be exhibited for the first time in the United States in Cooper Union’s Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Gallery. The exhibition, entitled Alternativas / Alternatives, features 22 jury selected projects completed between January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2015 by contemporary Spanish architects. The installation, which also includes an additional 20 shortlisted works, features large-scale image displays and audiovisual commentary about the winning projects, as well as drawing reproductions and architectural models.

Many of the works presented, under the categories of Heritage, Planning and Innovation, employ sustainable practices and rely on local materials. The projects – which vary from small-scale works, such as residential homes, to mid-size interventions, such as schools and public parks – showcase the ability of Spain’s architects to formulate innovative solutions with both a limited budget and modest resources.

The XIII BEAU’s selection showcases a breadth of talent from across Spain, not just its biggest cities. It also highlights some of the country’s practices on the rise. In addition to projects by studios such as Arquitectura-G and H Arquitectes, much of the work included in Alternativas / Alternatives represents Spain’s up-and-coming architects and studios such as Abalo Alonso Arquitectos, Victor López Cotelo, Olalquiaga Arquitectos and more. A complete list can be found here. Recently the Spanish Pavilion at the 2016 Venice Biennale won the Golden Lion Prize, the highest honor given at the Biennale. Seventy percent of that award-winning exhibition will be on view as part of Alternativas / Alternatives.

Presented in association with Archtober, Architecture and Design Month New York City, October 2016.

Opening Reception on Thursday, October 27 at 6:30pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday 2pm - 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 7pm
Closed November 24 and 25

Free and Open to the Public

To view exhibition images, click here