The 16th International Architecture Exhibition (Biennale Architettura 2018) - the world's largest event dedicated to architecture – has opened in Venice.
Curated by Grafton Architects founders Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, this year’s event, which features 63 national pavilions and 71 architects from all over the world, centers around the theme of ‘Freespace;’ in the words of the curators, “Freespace describes a generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture's agenda, focusing on the quality of space itself. […] We believe these qualities sustain the fundamental capacity of architecture to nurture and support meaningful contact between people and place.”
The Biennale Architettura takes place in the Giardini and Arsenale areas of Venice, and a few other venues around the city.
Each pavilion has interpreted the theme in different ways, from the examination of the use of public space to political issues to home and work environments.
Here are some sample pavilions at the Biennale Architettura 2018:
- Germany: “Unbuilding Walls” at Giardini – the exhibition focuses on examples of urban and architectural design that address aspects of division and integration including current barriers, fences and walls beyond Germany’s specific national perspective. It includes a video installation, “Wall of Opinions,” with interviews by a team of journalists who traveled around the world to people living near border walls.
- Holy See: “Vatican Chapels” at Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore – this is the first time that the Vatican participates in the Biennale; ten architects were invited to design ten chapels in the midst of the forest on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
- USA: “Dimensions of Citizenship” at Giardini – at a time when “conventional notions of citizenship are undermined,” this installation aims to examine what it means to be a citizen today.
- Nordic Countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden): “Another Generosity” at Giardini – this exhibition “explores the relationship between nature and the built environment, and how architecture can facilitate the creation of a world that supports the symbiotic coexistence of both,” in this Anthropocene epoch where human activity is the governing influence on climate and the environment.
- Italy: “Arcipelago Italia” at Arsenale: the exhibition explores the little-known cultural heritage of Italy in territories that are far from urban centers.
The Biennale Architettura runs until November 25, 2018. Admission is €25 and you can buy your ticket, valid for one admission to each exhibition venue also on non-consecutive days, online here.
More information on the Biennale Architettura 2018 is available here.
