Weekly design agenda: Chinese architecture biennale extended

Due to an overwhelming international response, the Shenzhen/Hong Kong Biennale 2009 has been extended through January 31. Coming up over the next few weeks: Object Rotterdam, the Athens Design Walk, and Ron Arad's first major exhibition in the UK.

Shenzhen/Hong Kong Biennale 2009 extended
through January 31
Shenzhen, China

Developing into a global architecture hotspot, the biennale has been hosting industry heavyweights since its opening December 6. The event has been extended through January 31 due to the extraordinary reception from visitors.

http://www.szhkbiennale.org

Holon Design Museum opens
January 31
Holon, Israel

Built by Ron Arad as the designer's first big architectural project, the newly completed building will be inaugurated in the presence of the designer. The museum's opening exhibition The State of Things: Design and the 21st Century will welcome visitors from March 4.

http://www.dmh.org.il

Object Rotterdam
February 2 - 4
Rotterdam, Netherlands

The official side event to Art Rotterdam (taking place at the opposite Las Palmas building), the fair is one of the first addresses for international autonomous design, focusing on unique or limited-edition objects.

http://www.objectrotterdam.com

Design Walk Athens
February 6 - 8
Athens, Greece

The fourth Design Walk around the neighborhood of the Acropolis will take participants from design shops to hip bars, discovering the work of cutting-edge designers. This year, London-based agency doubledecker has commissioned 13 graphic artists to create special designs for the event.

http://www.designwalk.gr

I.M. Pei to receive British Royal Gold Medal
February 11
London/UK

The 92-year-old Chinese-American architect I M Pei, best-known for his Louvre pyramid, joins the ranks of Norman Foster, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe by winning the prestigious RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) prize. He will receive the medal from England's Queen Elizabeth II at the official award ceremony.

http://www.architecture.com

Norman Foster at Berlin Film Festival
February 11 - 21
Berlin/Germany

The world-renowned British architect will join French producer Marin Karmitz, Austrian architect Wolf D. Prix, German film-maker Heinz Emigholz and Deyan Sudjic, director of London's Design Museum, to discuss the future of cinema during the festival. The talks can be watched live online.

http://www.berlinale.de

Ron Arad: Restless
February 18 - May 16
London/UK

The designer's first major UK exhibition at the Barbican Gallery will span three decades of his work. Due to the importance of movement in Arad's designs, visitors will be encouraged to experience the works hands-on.

http://www.barbican.org.uk