THE FIRST URBANISM \ ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE IN THE WORLD

Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism \ Architecture ( hereinafter referred to as “UABB” ) is the first biennale in the world based exclusively on the themes of URBANISM and URBANIZATION.  It was founded by Shenzhen in 2005 and has been co-organized with Hong Kong since 2007. UABB situates itself within the regional context of the rapidly urbanizing Pearl River Delta, concerns itself with globally common urban issues, extensively communicates and interacts with the wider public. It presents contemporary visual culture, and engages in internationality, avant-gardism, and the discourses of public interest.

Growth

Initiated by Shenzhen in 2005 and joined by the adjacent city Hong Kong in 2007, UABB has evolved into a unique breed among its kind that held and interacted between twin cities: a Bi-City Biennale. UABB was originally conceived by the urban planning department of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government for the purpose of constructing a more influential, professional and interactive exhibition. Although UABB embraces the general name and system of biennale in art and architecture exhibition, its intention is divergent from being merely a showcase of architectures, but focusing on the macroscopic background of unprecedented rapid urbanization in China and the causal urbanization issues (In the name UABB, "Urbanism \ Architecture" implies the idea that architecture is included in the city and discussions should thus focus on urbanism). Already held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong for nine editions. And it takes full advantage of design, photograph, installation, drama, public art, thematic study and dialogue, and reveals the progress of urbanization and human habitation of Shenzhen, Hong Kong, China and worldwide from different perspectives.

Exploration

Different from other exhibitions and expositions, UABB focuses devotedly on the pioneering and conceptual issues of urbanism & architecture. In retrospection of the past nine editions of UABB (Shenzhen) , the focal point of works and discussions has been set on themes such as Urban Village & Spontaneous City, City of Expiration & Regeneration, Public Space, Urban-rural Relationship & Agriculture, Border \ Edge, City + Technology, Low Carbon and Environmental Protection. The consequent inspired and exploratory researches, ideas and discussions have significant impacts on Shenzhen, a city self-positioned as a "pioneer," and the influence will continue.

Prospect

To the twin cities Shenzhen and Hong Kong, UABB is like a mineral deposit waiting for further exploration, which plays a decisive role in constructing a cooperation for the twin cities, in creating industrial upgrade of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, in developing further cities and inter-cooperation between regions, and in building sustainable cities for the future world. The future of UABB and the interactions between cities are promising and unlimited.