As part of the International Exhibition’s central theme, Inequalities, the Norman Foster Foundation Team shows a selection of projects that explore how architecture, design and urbanism can address disparities in housing, climate vulnerability and opportunity. These case studies span diverse geographies—from informal settlements in rural India to industrialised contexts in Portugal—offering tangible proposals aiming for a more equitable urban development.

Through a combination of applied research on cities and settlements, design and educational programmes, the Norman Foster Foundation Team explores solutions for building more equitable and sustainable cities through the following projects:

• Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission (2018–2020)
  A bottom-up slum regeneration strategy in Odisha, India, developed in collaboration with Tata Trusts. The project aims to preserve community ties while improving living conditions, public infrastructure and land ownership rights. Recognised with a World Habitat Award in 2019.
• Master Plan for Kharkiv (2022–Ongoing)
  In response to an invitation by the Mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine, the Foundation is leading a long-term regeneration plan for the city. Developed with Arup and a local team of experts, the plan includes five pilot projects on housing, heritage, industry, green space and science.
• Industrialised Construction System (2022–Ongoing)
  A collaboration with ZETHAUS, part of DST Group, to create a modular and prefabricated building system for Portugal’s future housing, hospital and educational needs. The system promotes efficiency, sustainability and design flexibility and is backed by the Portuguese government’s Recovery and Resilience Plan.
• Essential Homes Research Project (2022–Ongoing)
  A humanitarian housing initiative addressing the gap between emergency shelter and permanent housing for displaced populations. The first prototype was exhibited at the Venice Biennale 2023, with further adaptations developed for social housing in Latin America.
• Clean Energy Project—Nuclear Batteries (2019–Ongoing)
  In partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems (CANES), the Norman Foster Foundation Team is exploring the use of microreactors—compact nuclear energy units—as a safe, clean and decentralised energy solution for future urban and remote contexts.
• Norman Foster Institute (2023–Ongoing)
  The Norman Foster Institute (a part of the Norman Foster Foundation’s Research and Education Unit) runs a Master’s Programme on Sustainable Cities. Through hands-on work and interdisciplinary training, it equips future civic leaders with the tools to tackle urban inequality. In this exhibition, the Norman Foster Foundation Team presents urban proposals developed during the first edition of the Master’s course in Athens, Bilbao and San Marino.

The 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition, curated by Stefano Boeri, will be open from 13 May to 9 November 2025. Through exhibitions, installations and public programming, it addresses global challenges linked to inequality across social, economic and environmental dimensions.