Indigenous Biennial of Architecture highlights Indigenous protagonism at COP30

From November 3 to 10, Belém (PA) will host the conceptualization and launch of the Indigenous Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (BIAU). The initiative is built in direct dialogue with the indigenous peoples and aims to reposition ancestral knowledge as a source of innovation in the face of the challenges of the 21st century.

In this way, the Biennial consolidates itself as a space for collective construction and co-creation among indigenous communities, universities, researchers, and cultural institutions. The project proposes a process of listening and exchange, in which architecture is understood as expression of territory — a synthesis between technical knowledge, tradition, and spirituality.

Over the course of eight days, the programming will spread across different spaces in the city — among them Casa Maraká, Casa da Floresta, and Aldeia COP. There are planned meetings, workshops, audiovisual exhibitions, and discussion rounds. The goal is to consolidate the Indigenous Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism as an international platform that connects art, architecture, and projects, revealing how indigenous knowledge offers concrete paths to inhabit the planet in harmony.

Launch aligned with COP30

The official launch occurs on the eve of COP30, also in Belém, as part of the preparatory activities for the UN climate conference. Thus, the Biennial establishes itself as a political and symbolic gesture of recognition of indigenous protagonism in discussions about climate, territory, and sustainability.

The event is conceived by the Escola da Cidade and Instituto A Gente Transforma, carried out by the Centro de Estudos das Cidades - Laboratório Arq.Futuro of Insper, Unesp Proec – Casa da Floresta Unesp Peabiru, the Associação Casa Floresta, and the Coletivo Mídia Indígena. In addition, it receives institutional support from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples.

The event is in-person, free, and open to the public. No prior registration is necessary, and there will be no online transmission. More information and updates are available on the official event profile, @bienalindigenacop30.