Boston-area architect and Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hashim Sarkis is curator of the Biennale Architettura 2020 in Venice. In a recent interview with the Rhode Island School of Design, Sarkis discusses the challenge of curating this collection of pioneering projects by architects from around the world, each focused on cultural exchange.

The participant list has not been made public, but as often is the case, several Boston firms are expected to participate in the 17th International Architecture Exhibition.

Hashim Sarkis is a principal of Hashim Sarkis Studios (HSS), founded in Boston and Beirut in 1998, and has been Dean of SA+P since 2015. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Masters and PhD in Architecture from Harvard University. He is the author and editor of several books and articles on modern architecture history and theory.

Sarkis has won several awards for his designs, including a 2008 BSA Design Award for the Housing for the Fishermen of Tyre. He has also served on BSA committees, and lectured and exhibited there many times throughout his career.

La Biennale Architettura 2020 will take place at Venice’s Giardini and Arsenale from May 23 to November 29, 2020.