PORCH: AN ARCHITECTURE OF GENEROSITY, presented at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, brought thousands of visitors to the US Pavilion with an exhibition representing contemporary American architecture and design with an emphasis on civic engagement, community building, and social and environmental resiliency.

Fifty-four Architects were selected to create and exhibit a contemporary manifestation of the porch. Ross Barney Architects’ response is based on the gracious and generous Chicago Riverwalk. Our construction is a window on the world, a stage where life happens, and everyone is welcome. 

“Visiting the Venice Architecture Biennale is immersing yourself in an incredibly dense stream of data and ideas. You may be swept into the future.” – Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Design Principal and Founder, Ross Barney Architects, 2023 AIA Gold Medal Recipient.

Ross Barney Architects has been selected as a finalist for PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity, the U.S. Pavilion exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Biennale di Venezia. Organized by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in collaboration with DesignConnects and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, PORCH represents the United States’ exploration of civic engagement, community building, and social and environmental resilience through architecture and design.

As part of the exhibition, Ross Barney Architects work will be featured within the U.S. Pavilion, contributing to the broader dialogue on the role of architecture in fostering generosity, connection, and cultural exchange. Click here to visit Open Call — Porch: An Architecture of Generosity at the link below, and follow @porchusa2025.

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC)  Loop as Lab: Reshaping Downtowns exhibition showcases how Chicago is transforming post-pandemic with a challenge for all: How can innovative design create people-centered development and move toward more livable, resilient, and safe cities? 

CAC's CEO and President, Eleanor Gorski, said: “Chicago has always been at the forefront of architectural innovation, and 'Loop as Lab' exemplifies our city's ongoing commitment to pioneering new approaches in urban design."

Loop as Lab opens to the public on Saturday, April 27th, and will be accompanied by special walking tours that begin on May 15th.

To learn more, click here. 

The time for the Chicago Architecture Biennial has arrived. Curated by arts collective Floating Museum, they define "the city is the site", expanding the biennial beyond "foam models, scale drawings, and manifestos stuck onto walls." (Wallpaper Mag). In line with that premise, the site of the future DuSable Park now features a large piece that poses questions to visitors, constructed by Ross Barney Architects.

Carol Ross Barney with collaborators Ryan Gann and DuSable Park Design Alliance will participate in CAB 5: This is a Rehearsal.

Stay tuned for more information as the project unfolds. The biennial will be on view from September 21, 2023 through January 2, 2024.

Click here to see the full list of the participants.

ReCovered explores the impact of trees – from quality of life to quality of air – on the urban dweller’s experience.⁠

Come see the magical role that trees play in our City on view at the Chicago Architecture Center through October 2023.

Click here to learn more.

Ross Barney Architects is excited to be one of the 42 firms shortlisted for the City of Chicago and Chicago Architecture Center housing competition “Come Home”. Click here to read more about the initiative.