Common Chicago

Our relationship with the built environment is continuously evolving. Environmental challenges, economic and social inequalities, shifting living patterns, and polarizing politics all contribute to the constant reshaping of the physical spaces and intangible conditions that bring people together—or keep them apart. Within this shifting context, how can architects and designers help create common spaces that build stronger and more equitable communities?

Common Chicago features projects by a spectrum of Chicago-based designers that address this question across a variety of scales and programmatic functions, including civic, institutional, housing, and open space.

Featuring large-scale drawings, collages, and conceptual models, Common Chicago presents thoughtful approaches to how buildings and common spaces can contribute to a thriving, equitable, and sustainable Chicago.

Architecture and landscape architecture offices featured in the exhibition include Borderless Studio, Civic Projects, Converge Architecture, Could Be Design, Drumlin, Future Firm, JGMA, KOO, Latent, LBBA Architects, Norman Kelley, Nowhere Collaborative, Perkins&Will, Resolver Studio, Ross Barney Architects, Site Design Group, Studio Becker Xu, Studio Gang, Tom Lee Studio, UrbanLab, UrbanWorks, Vladimir Radutny Architects, Wheeler Kearns Architects, Woodhouse Tinucci Architects, and X, Nilay Mistry, and Chicago Public Art Group.

The exhibition is presented within the context of SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change, the sixth edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Gallery visits are available September 19, 2025–January 31, 2026 by appointment. To book a visit, please use MAS Context's calendar form to see available dates and times.
 

(Detail) “Dreaming of a World” by LBBA Architects, Common Chicago, MAS Context Reading Room, Chicago, 2025. © LBBA Architects.