Curators of 3rd Sharjah Architecture Triennial Named
The Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) has announced that anthropologist, writer, and artist Vyjayanthi Rao will serve as curator, with architect Tau Tavengwa as associate curator, for SAT's third edition set to take place in 2026.
The architecture triennial based in Sharjah, UAE, is described as “a platform for architecture and urbanism in a region that extends from from West Asia to South Asia and the African continent.” The inaugural edition, held in 2019, was curated by Adrian Lahoud under the theme “Rights of Future Generations,” and then the second edition, held in 2023, was curated by Tosin Oshinowo under the theme “The Beauty of Impermanence: An Architecture of Adaptability.” The third edition will be helmed by New York- and Mumbai-based Vyjayanthi Rao with London- and Cape Town-based Tau Tavengwa.
Although it is too soon to know the curatorial theme for SAT03, the curious can glean hints from Vyjayanthi Rao's background in socio-cultural anthropology and her critical writings on urbanism and the built environment, as well as her previous curatorial collaboration with Tau Tavengwa, “Multiplicity,” one of the four key exhibitions of the 2022 Lisbon Architecture Triennale.
“We are thrilled to have Vyjayanthi Rao as curator for our upcoming edition. Her deep knowledge of urbanism, with her particular focus on South Asian cities and neighborhoods, brings invaluable insight to the project. With her background in anthropology and her research-driven approach, she will undoubtedly offer a fresh perspective to this edition. Vyjayanthi has invited her long-time collaborator, Tau Tavengwa, to join as associate curator. Tau is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the field and reimagining the architecture Triennial model alongside her.”
Today's announcement on the selection of the SAT03 curators indicates that Rao and Tavengwa “will collaborate closely with the Triennial team to build on its ongoing initiatives in the public realm, drawing on its deep knowledge of the city and community networks, while contributing broader perspectives on architecture’s role in shaping more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive cities.” Furthermore, aligned with SAT's focus on “process as a means of idea generation, Rao and Tavengwa invite SAT03 to adopt a propositional, rather than representational, approach.”
Some illumination of these vague notions will come on Saturday, May 10, when SAT will host “Meet the Curators of the 2026 SAT Edition,” a public event at Al Qasimiyah School, the Triennial headquarters, marking the first official appearance of Rao and Tavengwa as SAT03 curator and associate curator. “This gathering will offer audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the newly appointed team as they share initial insights into their curatorial approach and vision for the upcoming edition,” per a statement. “The conversation will unfold in dialogue with members of the SAT team, offering a first look into the conceptual framework shaping SAT03.”