Carbon Confessions opens in the United States at UVA School of Architecture

Our travelling exhibition Carbon Confessions, previously presented in Munich, Berlin, Paris, Taipei, and Rotterdam, has now arrived in the United States for the first time. It is on view at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Architecture in Charlottesville, offering an open look at how architecture can respond to climate challenges. With Carbon Confessions, we reflect on more than 30 years of work, including both achievements and obstacles in integrating sustainability into our projects. The exhibition treats carbon as a central design consideration and highlights strategies such as adaptive reuse, material experimentation, and climate-driven innovation.

The exhibition features 186 hanging panels, including the Carbon Storyline, which traces MVRDV’s efforts in sustainable construction; Carbon Cases, project-based studies with supporting data; and transformation projects, highlighting the firm’s efforts to adapt and reuse existing buildings. Sixteen hanging wall booklets display Carbon Anecdotes – humorous and accessible stories from the studio about the challenges and unexpected moments encountered while pursuing sustainable design. A samples table showcases low-carbon materials, while a video projection explores a range of sustainability themes.

Charlottesville and the University of Virginia provide a particularly relevant context for the exhibition. The city balances historic preservation with modern development, and UVA is a hub for architectural research and education. Carbon Confessions invites visitors to consider how sustainable design can reduce carbon emissions while respecting the unique character of the built environment, offering lessons that are applicable both locally and globally.

Carbon Confessions will be on view from 23 March to 26 April at The Campbell Elmaleh Gallery, located within Campbell Hall at UVA’s School of Architecture in Charlottesville, Virginia. After previous showings in Munich, Berlin, Paris, and Rotterdam, the exhibition will continue to Toronto, where it will be on display at the Urbanspace Gallery from 9 May to 22 August.