The International Institute of Architecture in Lugano has announced the launch of a call for action for the 6th Swiss Territorial Biennial (biennale svizzera del territorio), centered around the compelling theme "Handle with Care." This open call welcomes participation from professionals of all ages and backgrounds from around the world, seeking innovative approaches to caring for and preserving our built environment.
The biennial's organizing committee has articulated a powerful message about the current state of construction and development practices. "Building, demolishing, building again... that is easy," the organizers stated in their call. "But caring for things, making them last, keeping them alive, repairing them. That is a difficult task." This philosophy reflects a growing movement in architecture and urban planning that prioritizes preservation, restoration, and thoughtful maintenance over constant demolition and reconstruction.
The call emphasizes the importance of observation, listening, and careful attention to existing structures and environments. Participants are encouraged to "study, understand" and "recognize what exists, even if it's fragile, even if it's not perfect." This approach requires collaboration and partnerships, as the organizers note that "You need allies. It's a task for those who know from experience the consequences of destruction, who know the price of maintenance, who know a thing of beauty is a joy forever."
Submissions to the biennial can take various forms, demonstrating the organizers' commitment to diverse expressions of architectural and artistic thought. Accepted proposal formats include installations, constructed interventions, transformative projects, performances, artistic works, and architectural visions. This broad scope allows participants to explore the theme through multiple mediums and approaches, encouraging creative interpretations of what it means to "handle with care."
The call concludes with an empowering message: "If you can handle it, caring is power." This statement positions the act of preservation and careful stewardship not as a limitation, but as a form of strength and agency in shaping our built environment. The submission deadline is set for February 9, 2026, at 5:36 PM, giving participants ample time to develop thoughtful proposals that address the biennial's central theme.
