This years 17th Venice Architecture Biennale exhibition invites architects to ponder the question “How will we live together?”. A question that effects all of us especially in times of global warming, pandemic and over production in many fields.
Last week we visited the Giardini, the Arsenale and Forte Maghera that presents 113 participants in the competition, coming from 46 countries. Walking from one country pavilion to the other made us a real globe trotter and our questions found many answers:
Can architecture influence better relationships between people, creating an equalized and respectful use of space? And can tools be designed that strengthen the bonds between humans and objects?
We highly recommend a visit till the 10th of November to the Biennale Architectura and in the meanwhile find our favourite pavilions here:
US PAVILION
American architects Paul Andersen and Paul Preissner built the wooden frame of a four-storey home in front of the US Pavilion.
The structure was designed to characterise American architecture and includes traditional features such as a pitched roof, dormers and a porch. An exhibition alongside the frame focuses on wood framing and construction. Most houses in the US are made of wood.
DANISH PAVILION
Architecture studio Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects created a cyclic water system at the Danish Pavilion that aims to draw attention to the circularity of water.
The studio used harvested rainwater, stored in an external reservoir, to flow water in a closed-loop system through the building via channels, pipes, plants and a partially flooded room.
You can also enjoy a glass of water or a herbal tea.
BRITISH PAVILION
Pub furniture, carpet, garden architecture motifs, effigies and a toilet all form London studio Unscene Architecture’s British Pavilion.
The studio created an installation that comprises multiple themed rooms from British pubs, highstreets and green spaces, which invite visitors to reflect on privatised public space.
It is interesting that there is such a big gap between public and private space in England which tells a lot about their social matters.
EGYPTIAN PAVILION
The exhibition is divided into two main complementary zones and reveals the humble reality of common people, unity, the power of integration, and the ensuing balance. It represents the beautiful, diverse characteristics and the special individuality of common people who do humble jobs in local communities, like for example being a baker. Visitors can capture themselves among them. The told story reveals their true strength, essentiality, and importance in local communities.
