Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB) is currently the only biennial exhibition in the world to be based exclusively on the set themes of urbanism and urbanization. Co-organized by the two neighboring and closely interacting cities of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, 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, is presented using expressions of contemporary visual culture, and engages international, avant-garde dimensions as well as discourses of public interest. UAAB is a forward-thinking biennale that focuses on the conceptual issues on urbanism and architecture. With around 770 exhibits and 310 activities since the biennale launched in 2005, UABB has attracted over 860,000 visitors worldwide. The past five editions of UABB(SZ) have investigated a range of themes including ‘Urban Village & Spontaneous City’, ‘City of Expiration and Regeneration’, ‘Public Space’, ‘Urban-rural Relationship and Agriculture’, and ‘Border/Edge’. The research, ideas and discussions have made a significant impact on the global discourse on architecture and urbanism as well as on Shenzhen, a “Vanguard” city.

For the Bi-City Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, BABEL has prepared a talk around the most recent book publish by the organization, titled Macau Sessions. Dialogues on Architecture and Society, which was launched in Macau during the Macau Architecture Promenade (MAP 2015), last October.

During the talk to be presented in Shenzhen, Hendrik Tieben (CUHK), Mário Duque, Thomas Daniell (USJ), and Tiago Quadros (USJ) will discuss and examine the key issues and ambitions underscoring Macau’s astonishing dash for growth. What are the costs, and the blindspots, of Macau’s rampant growth? What is the role played by Macau in China’s development?