Sharjah Architecture Triennial Announces Vyjayanthi Rao as Curator of SAT03, Joined by Tau Tavengwa as Associate Curator

The Sharjah Architecture Triennial (SAT) has appointed Vyjayanthi Rao as the curator of its third edition (SAT03), with Tau Tavengwa joining as associate curator. The Triennial, set to take place in 2026, is a platform dedicated to exploring architecture and urbanism across West Asia, South Asia, and the African continent.

An anthropologist, writer, artist, and curator based between New York and Mumbai, Rao brings a multidisciplinary perspective and deep contextual sensitivity to her work. With a background in socio-cultural anthropology, her writing has significantly contributed to critical discourse on urbanism and the built environment, particularly in India and the United States. Her practice increasingly bridges academic research and public engagement.

Rao will work closely with Tavengwa, a London and Cape Town-based architect, curator, and publisher. The two previously collaborated on the 2022 Lisbon Architecture Triennale. Tavengwa is the founder and editor of Cityscapes Magazine, which explores urbanism from a Global South perspective, and the co-founder of CS Studio, an interdisciplinary urbanism practice.

Mona El-Mousfy, advisor for the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, commented:

“We are thrilled to have Vyjayanthi Rao as curator for our upcoming edition. Her deep knowledge of urbanism—particularly her focus on South Asian cities and neighborhoods—brings invaluable insight to the project. With her background in anthropology and her research-driven approach, she will undoubtedly offer a fresh perspective to this edition.

Vyjayanthi has invited her long-time collaborator, Tau Tavengwa, to join as associate curator. Tau is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the field and reimagining the architecture Triennial model alongside her.”

The curators will collaborate closely with the SAT team to build on its existing public realm initiatives, drawing from local knowledge and community networks. Their approach will broaden perspectives on architecture’s role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and responsive cities. In line with SAT’s focus on process as a means of generating ideas, Rao and Tavengwa envision SAT03 as a propositional, rather than representational, platform.

Vyjayanthi Rao and Tau Tavengwa stated:

“We are hugely grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an important and distinctive platform as the Sharjah Architecture Triennial. Through our collaboration, we hope to open up new ways of thinking about what a triennial like Sharjah can become over time—leaving behind tangible strategies and ideas that respond to the needs and challenges of contemporary urban centres across the Global South and beyond.”

Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of the Sharjah Architecture Triennial, added:

“Rao’s practice, which offers vital insights into urbanisation, aligns with the context of SAT and Sharjah’s ongoing urban transformation. Her work speaks directly to the Triennial’s mission in terms of our commitment to research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. We are excited to support both her and Tau in fostering a public-facing conversation around the critical and complex issues of today.”

To mark the beginning of their curatorial journey, SAT will host “Meet the Curators of the 2026 SAT Edition” on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the SAT headquarters in Al Qasimiyah School. This public event will feature Rao and Tavengwa in their first official appearance as SAT03 curators, offering audiences early insight into their curatorial vision. The conversation will take place in dialogue with SAT team members and will introduce the conceptual framework for SAT03.

Photo credits: Left: Vyjayanthi Rao. Photographed by Alfonse Chiu. Image courtesy of Vyjayanthi Rao. Right: Tau Tavengwa. Photographed by Samer Moukarzel. Image courtesy of Tau Tavengwa