As the climate crisis increases, the construction industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Nearly 40 percent of global carbon emissions are linked to the built environment, making architecture a critical site of change. For MVRDV, sustainability has long been a core concern. But what does that mean in practice? After its first edition in Munich nearly a year ago, followed by Paris, Berlin, and Taipei, Carbon Confessions now arrives in Rotterdam, MVRDV’s hometown. The exhibition will be on view at Keilepand from 31 January to 12 March 2026.

Confessions Carbone Paris  © Paul Lefevre

Carbon Confessions offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at MVRDV’s ongoing approach to sustainability. Tracing more than three decades of work, the exhibition follows the practice’s journey from early ideas on densification to its current focus on biodiversity, carbon reduction, and climate-driven material innovation.

Carbon Confessions Munich  © MVRDV

Rather than presenting sustainability as a finished solution, the exhibition openly reflects on both milestones and missteps that mirror the wider shift in architecture toward climate-conscious design. Here, carbon is not a technical footnote but a central design consideration. Through themes such as adaptive reuse, material experimentation, and the use of digital tools, Carbon Confessions demonstrates how sustainable ambitions can be translated into concrete actions.

By sharing lessons learned, knowledge gained, and challenges encountered while integrating carbon considerations into all layers of practice, MVRDV aims to foster transparent conversation about the realities of designing under conditions of climate urgency. Designed with minimal waste, the exhibition itself makes use of repurposed materials, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to resourcefulness.

Exhibition space at Keilepand © Keilepand

The exhibition invites visitors to engage in an open conversation about the carbon challenge in the built environment and to explore how design can contribute to more adaptive and regenerative cities. Throughout its time in Rotterdam, the exhibition will be complemented by a programme of lectures that expand on these themes, bringing together experts and collaborators to discuss carbon, materials, and the future of sustainable architecture.

Following the presentation in Rotterdam, Carbon Confessions will continue to travel to various locations globally.

Date and time
31 January – 12 March
Wed – Fri 12.00 – 17.00 h 
Sat 12.00 – 15.00 h

Location
Keilepand, Keilestraat 7–9, 3029 BP Rotterdam (entrance via the Voedseltuin side)

Admission is free of charge.