aak convention

Nairobi Biennale of Architecture & Art - 2026


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, NGO`s etc to engage Africa’s urban future.

Event Dates Monday, September 7th 2026 to Saturday 11th September 2026.
Location ASK Jamhuri Showgrounds - Nairobi, Kenya.
Format 54 Pavilions

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.
7–17 Sept 2026

Core Biennale

  • 7th September 2026 (Monday)- IMAGINING AFRICAN FUTURES – Opening Ceremony, Musical Concert, Side Events on Imagining African Futures
  • 8th September 2026 (Tuesday) – MOBILITY, DENSITY & PUBLIC SPACE – UN-Habitat Forum on Nairobi River Regeneration
  • 9th September 2026 (Wednesday) – BUILDING FOR ADAPTATION – Grow A Classroom Activation, Global Buildings Performance Network Workshop
  • 10th September 2026 (Thursday) – IDENTITY, CRAFT & MEMORY – Nairobi Then and Now Film Screenings, Nairobi Heritage Photo Exhibition (Photography and Visual Storytelling – Heritage Structures at Risk), Partner Workshops, Partner Cocktail
  • 11th September 2026 (Friday) – TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS & PRACTICE – Awards Ceremony
  • 12th September 2026 (Saturday) – PEOPLE'S CITY DAY & CELEBRATION – Public Activations, Community Engagement Activities, Celebration Events (or insert specific activities if already defined).
17–19 Sept 2026

AAK Annual Convention — Diani, Kenya

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

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join us in the making of history

🏗️

AAK Member Firms

Firm Practitioners Registered with AAK

🤝

Commercial Partners

Industry Service and Product Providers

👥

Grow a Classroom Partner

Any institution that wishes to partner with AAK on the Grow a Classroom Initiative

OPEN
KES 1,500,000
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EXHIBITORS' Submission Guidelines

Key criteria for the first 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

Applicant Information

Primary contact for all Biennale communications

Participation Details

Supporting Documents

Required for Review

  • Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages, PDF only, max 10 MB)
  • Portfolio: 5-10 images of recent work
  • Technical drawings or specifications
  • National Pavilions: Endorsement letter
📄

Drag and drop your CV or browse to upload

📁

Drag and drop files or browse to upload

Fee Total: KES 0

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
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Phone +254 721 691 337
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Office Blue Violets Plaza
Kamburu Drive, Nairobi
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Venue Jamhuri Park Expo Centre
ASK Showgrounds