2013 Shenzhen Biennale, UABB (Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism /Architecture)

Now in its 5th edition, the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture (UABB) is the only biennial exhibition in the world to be based exclusively on the themes of urbanism and urbanization and is co-organized by Shenzhen and Hong Kong, making it one of the most important events on its type in the region.

The UABB has developed strong alliances with partners both local, regional and from all over the world. Among them include globally renowned cultural institutions like Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), MAXXI, OMA, Droog Design, International Architecture Biennale of São Paulo, MIT, MoMA New York, and The Berlage.

The curator for this year is Ole Bouman, and amajor attraction of the 2013 Shenzhen Biennale is the creative and dramatic transformation of an old Shenzhen glass factory into one of the Biennale’s core venues for this year. Spearheaded by Ole Bouman, the UABB’s curator and creative director, the project adhered to his manifesto statement of “Biennale as risk.” The revitalisation effort not only provides a unique and functional exhibition space for the Biennale but it reclaims a piece of heritage and history. As a broader objective, the makeover is also a step in redefining Shenzhen’s identity. In completing the urban intervention, Mr. Bouman now calls it a ‘Value Factory’ to manufacture ideas and knowledge.

More after the break.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory

Built in 1986, the former Guangdong Float Glass Factory had been derelict since 2009. The metamorphosis began in May as an international collaboration effort. At Mr. Bouman’s invitation, architectural and design firms from as far as India, Brazil and the Netherlands worked with Chinese design partners in a “Matchmaking Workshop” as different design teams paired off to execute their collaboration on various parts of the factory - from the entrance, storage facilities, the main hall and various silos. The transformation process was completed in only three months.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory

The revamped glass factory will not only be an exhibition showcase for the biennale’s three months, but it aims to serve as a facility for nurturing, and a source of, inspiration for the city hopefully for years to come.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory

As a venue for the Shenzhen’s UABB 2013, the old Guangdong Float Glass Factory, along with the other exhibition site the Shekou Ferry Terminal old warehouse, has elevated it from just design and architecture installations to a significant cultural and social event relevant to urban sustainability and regular citizens.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory

As Mr. Bouman declares in his manifesto, “(the biennale) is a vehicle for change, for real change. It produces leverage for alternative histories and a new future.” In short, the former glass turned ‘Value’ factory will strive to create value by preserving it.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory

More information can be found on the Biennale's official website.

Courtesy of UABB / Transformation of the Guangdong Float Glass Factory
  • Title

    2013 Shenzhen Biennale, UABB (Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism /Architecture)
  • Website

  • Organizers

    UABB
  • From

    December 06, 2013 04:02 PM
  • Until

    February 28, 2013 04:02 PM
  • Venue

    Former Guangdong Float Glass Factory
  • Address

    Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

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Cite: "2013 Shenzhen Biennale, UABB (Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism /Architecture)" 27 Oct 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/443011/2013-shenzhen-biennale-uabb-bi-city-biennale-of-urbanism-architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

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