Second Urbanism Biennial Launched, Awarding Projects from Mexico and Latin America

Mexico and Habitat: UN-Habitat have launched the second Bienal de Urbanismo, an initiative designed to spotlight and encourage the replication of successful urban development projects across Mexico and, for the first time, all of Latin America. The call is open to architects, engineers, and urbanism specialists.

Salvador Herrera, president of the Bienal's organizing committee, emphasized the event's goal: to identify and promote concrete, successful urbanism experiences in a region facing significant structural crises. "Our cities are living through moments of important structural crises in the region, and with the Bienal, we want to shine a light on these successful experiences," Herrera stated during the official launch.

This year's Bienal expands its scope to include all of Latin America, maintaining free registration for individual or collective participants. Herrera stressed that submitted projects must be executed, published, or implemented, distinguishing the Bienal from idea forums. "This is not a fair of ideas or concepts... this is: you achieved it, we reward you," he clarified.

Projects can be submitted across five categories: urban regulations (laws, norms), planning and financing instruments (development plans), urbanism projects (urban design, mobility, public space), social impact programs, and research work. The submission deadline is September 11, with evaluations running from October 5 to 30. The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 13.

Ten winners will be recognized, five from Mexico and five from Latin America, each receiving a statuette and certificate, along with an honorable mention in each category. The jury includes prominent figures like Myriam Urzúa, head of the Secretariat for Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection of Mexico City, and Enrique Soto Alva, director general of metropolitan and regional planning at the Secretariat of Agrarian, Territorial, and Urban Development. So far, 108 projects from 8 countries and over 10 Mexican states have been registered.