aak convention

Nairobi Biennale of Architecture & Arts


Theme: Shifting the Center: From Fragility to Resilience: Reclaiming Africa's Architecture and the Future

The premier platform convening built & natural environment professionals, artists, creatives, technology firms (proptech, archtech, construction tech), government agencies, embassies, academia, policy makers, ngos etc to engage Africa’s urban future.

Event Dates Monday, September 8th 2026 to Friday 19th September 2026
Location Nairobi, Kenya
Format 54 Pavilions
May 2026

Design Charette

Activities
Exhibitors Forum: 06/04/2026 at Jamhuri Park Expo Centre, ASK Showgrounds, Nairobi — Scan to Register or Apply Online Below

Biennale 2026 Program

April 2026

Prelude Phase

  • A. Biennale Exhibitors & Presenters Forum — 6th April at ASK Jamhuri Grounds - Focus: Decolonizing Spatial Narratives. Introduces exhibitors to curatorial expectations, pavilion standards, and venue context. Aligns contributors with Biennale’s intellectual direction.
  • B. East African Student Design Charrette — April/May at Jamhuri Grounds - Focus: Designing Through Fragility . Live design challenge addressing real spatial problems: ablutions, barns, fan zones, public realm. 30 East African students + regional lecturers. Outputs: prototypes, modular systems, circular materials, pavilion concepts.
  • C. Public Exhibition & Adjudication — April/May at KICC - Public showcase of student design solutions. Transparent judging, industry engagement, sponsor visibility.
  • D. Pan-African Architectural Heritage Talk — April/May at KBC Studios - Focus: Heritage, Memory & Adaptive Identity. National broadcast across Africa. Explores African spatial heritage, colonization impacts, and contemporary resilience.
September 2026

Week 1: Foundation

  • Week 1 (1st –4th September): BORAQS CPD Week - Accredited CPD seminars for architects and QS professionals.
  • Official Opening Ceremony —8th September, KICC
7–17 Sept 2026

Core Biennale

  • 54 National Pavilion Exhibitions
  • Daily keynote lectures
  • Panel discussions on resilience, decolonizing architecture, circular cities
  • Student forums & emerging architect showcases
  • Hands-on design workshops
  • Film screenings, cultural performances, installations
17–19 Sept 2026

AAK Annual Convention — Diani, Kenya

  • Leadership forums
  • Policy dialogues
  • Awards & gala evening
  • Professional networking

Registration Categories

Select your participation pathway. Join the continental movement reclaiming African architectural authorship.

🏛️

NATIONAL & INSTITUTIONAL PAVILIONS

Open to African countries, embassies, cultural institutions National narratives on architecture, heritage, and resilience. 54 pavilions representing each African nation.

TBC
From $1,500
🏗️

CORPORATE & INDUSTRY EXHIBITIONS

Individual or firm practitioners presenting built works.Participation is open to: Architectural and design practices. Artists and creative collectives, Construction and materials manufacturers, Developers and technology firms, Embassies, government agencies, and institutions, Universities, research bodies, and student groups.

Forum: 06/04/2026
FROM $2000
🎓

Student / Emerging

Student studios, and early‑career practitioners Competitions, charrettes, and experimental work. Free registration for East African Student Design Charrette. 30 places available. Includes mentorship and public exhibition.

Charrette: 10–12 April
FREE
🤝

Strategic Partner

Title, Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze partnership tiers. Align with ESG priorities and continental visibility.

OPEN
FROM $5,400
📐

Curator / Academic

Research collectives and academic institutions proposing discourse programs and thematic exhibitions.

Deadline: 30 June 2026
FROM $1,500
👥

VENDOR

Partners delivering services and products for sale

OPEN
$230

Submission Guidelines

Key criteria for the first Pan-African Biennale of Architecture

📋 Eligibility

  • Open to Built Environment professionals, designers, art curators, policy makers and developers of African nationality or diaspora
  • Projects completed after January 2024 or new commissions
  • Individual practitioners, collectives, firms, and national institutes
  • National Pavilions require official ministry endorsement
  • Student Charrette limited to 30 East African students

🎨 Selection

  • International jury of African architects and academics
  • Focus on reclaiming African authorship
  • Alignment with fragility-to-resilience theme
  • Notification: 15 August 2026
  • Waitlist: 1 September 2026

📦 Technical

  • Pavilion: 54m² standard at Jamhuri Park
  • Climate-resistant materials required
  • Compliance with Kenyan building codes
  • Technical rider due: 1 August 2026
  • Customs support provided

Biennale Registration Portal

Secure your participation in the 2026 Pan-African Biennale

Partnership Opportunities To be Communicated

TO BE COMMUNICATED

Program-specific: Climate Forum, Student Pavilion, Women in Design, Gala Night, Digital Platform, Diani Convention

QR CODE
06/04/2026
Forum Registration

Scan to register for the Exhibitors & Vendors Forum

Jamhuri Park Expo Centre, ASK Showgrounds, Nairobi

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the 06/04/2026 Exhibitors Forum? +
The Exhibitors & Vendors Forum at Jamhuri Park Expo Centre is an informative session for all potential Biennale participants. It covers curatorial expectations, pavilion standards, venue logistics, and networking opportunities. Attendance is free but registration is required. The forum positions Nairobi as a continental hub for architectural discourse, a laboratory for climate-responsive design, and a meeting ground for policy, investment, and culture.
How do the 54 National Pavilions work? +
Each African nation is allocated a dedicated pavilion at Jamhuri Park Expo Centre (approximately 54m²). Countries may be represented by their ministry of culture, national architectural institute, or curated selection of that nation's architects. Applications require official endorsement and payment of KES 2,000,000. Pavilions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the KES 35 million partnership target for? +
The Biennale aims to raise KES 35 million to ensure high-quality infrastructure for 54 pavilions, international broadcasting, production of Student Pavilion and Women in Design Forum, CPD accreditation, and accessibility programs including travel grants. Partners receive visibility across all platforms and alignment with ESG priorities.
Can I participate in both Jamhuri Park and Diani Convention? +
Yes. The Diani Convention (24–26 September) concludes the Biennale with leadership forums, policy dialogues, and the awards gala. Main exhibition participants are encouraged to attend. Special package rates available for Diani accommodation and transport from Nairobi.
What are the five focus areas? +
Submissions should align with: 1) Resilient Urbanism, 2) Climate-Responsive Design, 3) Decolonizing Spatial Narratives, 4) Heritage and Memory, or 5) Technological Innovation. The curatorial team prioritizes work addressing "fragility" (climate vulnerability, social inequality, colonial legacies) and proposing "resilience" (adaptive strategies, local materials, community agency).

Contact Secretariat

📧
Email aak@aak.or.ke
📞
Phone +254 721 691 337
📍
Office Blue Violets Plaza
Kamburu Drive, Nairobi
🏛️
Venue Jamhuri Park Expo Centre
ASK Showgrounds