Since 2006, the November Talks, supported by the Sto Foundation, have brought well-known figures and innovative newcomers from the world of contemporary architecture to lecture halls at some of Europe's leading universities. This event format provides architecture students and professionals with practical insights into the latest trends and discussions in international building culture and architectural theory.
Live lectures: architecture meets future discourse.
In live lectures, renowned speakers present forward-looking positions on sustainability, design methodology, construction processes, and social responsibility in the context of contemporary architecture. This provides participants with authentic insights into specific challenges and visionary solutions, always within the context of the tension between architectural practice and critical reflection.
Interactive discourse: combining theory and practice
Following the lectures, there will be an opportunity for direct exchange, allowing students and professionals to ask questions, discuss ideas and engage in dialogue with the speakers. This open culture of discussion promotes lively discourse on architecture, inspiring new approaches and linking theory with practical experience.
Ghent
This year's November Talks at the University of Stuttgart are being held under the theme 'Folded Space'. For the second time, the Faculty of Architecture at KU Leuven in Ghent is participating in the November Talks. The talks reflect the diversity of the institute, with contributions from experimental, conceptual, emerging, and established practices offering an exciting and inspiring range of perspectives.
All lectures will take place at: LUCA School of Arts, Auditorium A4, Alexianenplein, Ghent.
Paris
Transformer ?
What invisible factors determine how we build? As part of the November Talks 2026 in Paris, four architects will explore this question. Under the title ‘Transform?’, they will examine norms and habits, economics, doctrines and politics, our relationship with time, and the way architecture is represented. These factors can hinder the transformation of architecture, its forms and its objectives, but they can also catalyse it. This applies to universities just as much as it does to everyday professional practice.
The speakers will highlight the contradictions and constraints of their own practice. Using concrete examples, they will demonstrate how the production of the built environment can be transformed.
Prague
Venedig
Architecture between Classical Rigour and Critical Mannerism
Four conversations on architecture: four stories and as many experiences that explore the discipline between classical rigour and critical mannerism. These are two cultural orientations conventionally seen as opposites, yet it is precisely in Italy that they have found real places and geographies in which to take shape, and to betray themselves, through centuries of material history and city-building. Within this thematic framework, today’s designers, whose work shapes the urban horizon, public space and the landscape, are invited to reflect on architecture as a language capable of building and symbolically representing both contexts and the communities that inhabit them.
The lecture series will bring together architects and practices with well-established professional experience to present their approach to the profession. The debate will focus on the transformations driven by pressing environmental and urban issues, as well as by the digital revolution, which is profoundly changing the ways architecture is designed and communicated. This year, Matilde Cassani, Marco Contini, Giulia de Appolonia and Vincenzo Latina will be in dialogue with the curators and present their vision.
News about the November Talks
November Talks 2026 – Architecture in Transition
The November Talks 2026 open a new season. Initiated by the Sto Foundation, the lecture series brings 28 established and emerging architects to universities in seven European cities. Until December 7, they share their work and discuss current issues in architecture with students and professionals.
November Talks 2025. What Moves Architecture?
The Sto Foundation is organising the November Talks lecture series once again this year, with events taking place at seven selected universities in Ghent, Madrid, Paris, Prague, Stuttgart, Venice and Vienna. During the lectures, renowned and emerging architects will discuss current issues in construction.
Post-event report | Stuttgart - Minna Riska: Timber instead of reinforced concrete
This year’s November Talks in Stuttgart, which had the theme “Building without concrete”, were wrapped up by Minna Riska of MDH Arkitekter (Oslo).