The Seventh Lisbon Architecture Triennale, titled "How Heavy is a City?", proposes a radical rethink of the contemporary city, urging us to reevaluate our relationship with the built environment and its impact on the planet. This exhibition coalition, curated by Territorial Agency across eight venues, presents three main exhibitions – "Fluxes," "Spectres," and "Lighter" – as well as numerous independent projects and a comprehensive publication.
At the heart of this triennale lies a fundamental question: how can we redefine our urban experience in light of the accelerating forces of the technosphere? The exhibits delve into the complex interdependencies between energy, information, and material circulation that underpin global cities. By examining these systems, architects and thinkers aim to challenge our assumptions about the role of the city in the face of ecological crises.
"Fluxes," hosted at MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, delves into the hidden systems that define urban life, from energy consumption to material extraction. The exhibition features immersive installations, such as a corridor filled with large projections of smoke and fire, evoking environmental destruction. Here, we find ourselves confronted with the urgent need for sustainable practices.
"Spectres," displayed at MUDE – Design Museum, takes us beyond the traditional borders of the city into the "ghost acreages" that supply it with materials and energy. The exhibition opens with a haunting installation featuring Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith's large-scale work "Correspondences," which tells stories of natural disasters, species extinction, and catastrophic weather events.
Meanwhile, "Lighter," housed at MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Centre, presents alternative possibilities for the future. The exhibition's curatorial shift from horizontal grids to vertical monitors requires viewers to seek out videos documenting innovative projects. Notable works here include Lynn Margulis' "The Tissue of Gaia" and WORKOVERTIME's "A Metabolic Commons – Many Hands Make Light Work," which emphasize the need for infrastructure of care over exploitation.
Ultimately, the Seventh Lisbon Architecture Triennale challenges us to rethink our urban experience in light of ecological crises. By introducing a dizzying array of questions, data, and measures, it prompts us to reject solutionism and instead strive for a fundamental transformation of our relationship with the built environment. This is an exhibition that demands action, inviting us to reevaluate our assumptions about the city's role in the world.
At the heart of this triennale lies a fundamental question: how can we redefine our urban experience in light of the accelerating forces of the technosphere? The exhibits delve into the complex interdependencies between energy, information, and material circulation that underpin global cities. By examining these systems, architects and thinkers aim to challenge our assumptions about the role of the city in the face of ecological crises.
"Fluxes," hosted at MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, delves into the hidden systems that define urban life, from energy consumption to material extraction. The exhibition features immersive installations, such as a corridor filled with large projections of smoke and fire, evoking environmental destruction. Here, we find ourselves confronted with the urgent need for sustainable practices.
"Spectres," displayed at MUDE – Design Museum, takes us beyond the traditional borders of the city into the "ghost acreages" that supply it with materials and energy. The exhibition opens with a haunting installation featuring Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith's large-scale work "Correspondences," which tells stories of natural disasters, species extinction, and catastrophic weather events.
Meanwhile, "Lighter," housed at MAC/CCB – Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture Centre, presents alternative possibilities for the future. The exhibition's curatorial shift from horizontal grids to vertical monitors requires viewers to seek out videos documenting innovative projects. Notable works here include Lynn Margulis' "The Tissue of Gaia" and WORKOVERTIME's "A Metabolic Commons – Many Hands Make Light Work," which emphasize the need for infrastructure of care over exploitation.
Ultimately, the Seventh Lisbon Architecture Triennale challenges us to rethink our urban experience in light of ecological crises. By introducing a dizzying array of questions, data, and measures, it prompts us to reject solutionism and instead strive for a fundamental transformation of our relationship with the built environment. This is an exhibition that demands action, inviting us to reevaluate our assumptions about the city's role in the world.
I just saw the most mind-blowing news about the Lisbon Architecture Triennale and I'm literally still trying to process it all 
. So basically they're asking if we can just redefine what a city is and how we live in it with all this technology taking over our lives 
. Like, I'm guilty of being on my laptop for 12 hours straight sometimes 
, but I never thought about the impact that has on the planet 
.
, it's like, totally mind-blowing to think about a city being run by people working together instead of just exploiting resources 
. I need to go out there and start making some changes ASAP 
. Has anyone else seen this exhibition? What did u guys think?
, especially "Fluxes" with all that smoke and fire stuff – it's like, woah, what's goin' on?! 
We need more of this critical thinkin' and creativity when it comes to urban planning. It's not just about fixin' problems; it's about fundamentally changin' how we live with our built environment.
. I mean, think about it – we're living in a world where climate change is at its peak and yet our cities are still being built with the same old unsustainable practices. It's time to reevaluate our relationship with the built environment, for real 
But seriously, this exhibition makes some scathing points about our addiction to growth and resources. We need to start prioritizing sustainability over profits.
.
.
. like, we're so used to just hopin' cities are sustainable or whatever, but really they're just systems that can make us or break us. idk, maybe its time for us to rethink what makes a city worth livin' in? theres this one exhibit called "fluxes" thats all about how the systems that run our cities affect the planet, and honestly its kinda mindblowin' 
We need more exhibitions like this that challenge our assumptions and inspire us to make real change. Let's hope this sparks a wave of creativity and activism around the world! 
I think this Lisbon Architecture Triennale is like a 
construction site for our minds! It's all about questioning how we build cities and what kind of impact it has on the planet 
️
. It's eye-opening to see how our daily habits affect the environment.
! Each one takes you on a journey, from the dark realities of environmental destruction 
.
. It shows us that there are alternative ways to build cities, ones that prioritize care and collaboration over exploitation.
, just saw a new report on climate change & it's not looking good 
. The past 4 years have seen a 10% increase in global temperatures, with 2025 already being one of the hottest years on record 
, which is gonna put a lot more coastal cities at risk