Led by designer and educator Norman Teague, an acclaimed collective of artists, designers, and community activists in Chicago are building a pavilion that explores themes of pedagogy, community, fellowship, and speculative community building. Exploring various forms of design, art, and architecture, the project is inspired by the teachings and writings of Anna and Frederick Douglass.

Teague represented the United States at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale where the roots of this project first began. The group is responding to the words of architect, academic, and novelist Lesley Lokko in thinking of ways in which Africa and communities of color are the laboratories of the future, while simultaneously designing a pavilion for Anna and Frederick Douglass. The structure is perpetually inspired by Douglass’ writings on truth, power, foundations, and justice. This is a full-scale, first-edition prototype of a pavilion that promotes listening, environmental justice, and raises awareness around recycling efficacy. Teague and his team invite community members to speak about and speculate within those futures. 

Breaking ground in Englewood, a community brimming with potential, the structure is a rehearsal in and of itself—a temporary solution that imagines becoming permanent after the conclusion of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.