New formats, new cities, new dates
The New Season of Concéntrico is presented with a renewed focus that includes a variety of initiatives and formats in cities such as Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Dammam, Huesca, and Logroño, consolidating a decade of innovations in architecture and urbanism. This schedule stands out for the introduction of new formats that respond to contemporary challenges, including for the first time a call for the design of a permanent project, as well as educational programs, exhibitions, and itinerancies that foster citizen participation. By expanding its footprint and establishing new dates in different locations, Concéntrico seeks to revitalize the dialogue between designers and communities, enriching the festival experience and its relevance in the current context.
Among the most notable initiatives is the call for the design of an Urban Climate Island in Logroño, a permanent project aimed at mitigating the impact of heat waves through sustainable solutions. This call will take place in two phases: the first, open to architecture firms until November 29, 2024, will require a summary panel in A2 format, while the second phase will offer 1,500 EUR to four finalists, with fees of 10,000 EUR for the winning project. The budget for the execution of the Urban Climate Island is valued at 80,000 EUR.
In addition, an educational program will be developed in collaboration with educational centers throughout Spain, where artists such as Maider López and matali crasset will bring their creative proposals to the classrooms. This program includes projects like “Nervures et cônes” which seeks to connect students with nature through the creation of architectural archetypes, and “How we experience school, how we experience the city” which encourages students to map their experiences in the school and urban environment. Through these interventions, not only creativity is fostered, but also reflection on the space they occupy and how they can influence it. These actions aim to engage new generations in the design of their environment, promoting a sense of belonging and responsibility towards their community.
The consolidation of the project will be reflected in the publication of a book, supported by the Ministry of Culture, which compiles the trajectory of Concéntrico and reflects on the future of cities. This launch will include international presentations and will take place alongside new projects such as “Performing Architecture” in Milan in collaboration with BASE Milano, Italy, as well as strategic alliances with Ciudad Juárez in Mexico and Villa Medici in Roma. The season will also feature itinerant exhibitions, such as the “Open Segments” pavilion by Syn Architects, which will be presented at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, during the Tanween 2024 event. This intervention will not only showcase contemporary architectural practices but also promote the exchange of ideas between designers and communities.
In Madrid, the “Fuente” intervention by Corvin Cristian will be on display at the Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Condeduque, transforming the central courtyard into a multifunctional space that fosters social and cultural interaction. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, “100 Chairs” by Izaskun Chinchilla will be presented in an exhibition at the Museu del Disseny, showcasing a collaborative project that invites reflection on design and its relationship with the city.
Concéntrico will conclude its season with a festival in Logroño from June 19 to 24, 2025, where various proposals will be celebrated, and dialogue among artists, architects, and citizens will be fostered, consolidating the project as a benchmark in exploring new ways of inhabiting and coexisting in cities.
