CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE BIENNIAL

Through 1/3 The first of its kind in North America, the biennial is Chicago’s latest effort to flaunt its cultural capital. Not merely an exhibit of building designs, this postmodern world’s fair focuses on spatial and environmental theories. Free. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. chicagoarchitecturebiennial.org

SOFA

11/5–11/8 The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design Fair enters its 21st year on Navy Pier with something new in addition to the top-tier glass, ceramic, jewelry, and textile crafts for which the crowds annually gather: a handful of exhibitors of fine art and painting. Lectures and live demonstrations round out the event. $20. Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand. sofaexpo.com