August is packed with notable architecture and design events around the world. The latest update from the Dezeen Events Guide highlights six specific exhibitions and festivals taking place this month that offer insight into global design practices and cultural shifts.
In the United Kingdom, the V&A Dundee continues to host Maggie's: Architecture That Cares until November. This exhibition displays models of cancer care centers designed by architects such as Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster. Meanwhile, Madrid is the setting for the Wellbeing in the City exhibition, which runs through September at La Arquería de Nuevos Ministerios. This showcase examines how traditional architecture affects the biological and social experiences of people living in urban environments.
In China, the Tank Shanghai is hosting Architecture's Inscriptions through October. This event investigates the influence of ancient manuscripts and calligraphy on contemporary Chinese architectural work. Participants include architects like Liu Jiakun and Zhang Ke alongside several prominent artists.
Those interested in craft and material exploration have options in Indonesia and Belgium. The Jia Curated festival in Bali happens from August 13 to 17 under the theme Nature Weave, focusing on the relationship between people and the natural world. Later in the month, from August 17 to 21, the Art-Marotte Masterclass Series in Braives, Belgium, provides postgraduate students with a space to work with ceramics and glass.
Finally, Helsinki Design Week celebrates its 21st anniversary from August 28 to September 6. With a theme focused on community and collaboration in urban space, the event features a range of talks, exhibitions, and open showrooms covering disciplines from fashion to industrial design. These selections reflect the breadth of the current architecture and design calendar as monitored by our editorial team.