Tec de Monterrey Brings Living Labs to the Venice Biennale 2025

Tecnológico de Monterrey will present an academic project at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, marking the first time the institution participates in the event. The project, Fostering Care Ecologies: Tech-Community Driven Living Labs, is the only university-led initiative from Latin America selected for this year’s edition.

Developed by faculty and students from the School of Architecture, Art, and Design (EAAD), the project consists of a network of three Living Regenerative Laboratories (LRVs) based in Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Queretaro. Each laboratory engages students, researchers, and local communities in the co-creation of sustainable interventions in vulnerable territories. Over 280 students and academic staff have been involved in the initiative.

The LRVs serve as applied learning environments where participants address real-world issues such as water access, sustainable agriculture, ecological restoration, and environmental education. Activities include the development of water filtration systems, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, solar-powered irrigation, and nature-based tourism programs. The labs also provide hands-on training in interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of emerging technologies.

According to the university, the work is based on a regenerative design approach that combines academic knowledge, technological tools, and community engagement. It aims to develop transferable models for environmental and social challenges in rural and semi-urban contexts.