Explore the Architecture 17th Biennale
In a world reshaped by the pandemic, the 17th International Architecture Exhibition reaffirms its mission to explore the question: "How will we live together?" The visionary curator, Hashim Sarkis, sets the stage for a captivating journey of collective reflection and transformation.
With optimism and perseverance, Sarkis emphasizes the increased significance of this question amidst the isolating times we've endured. As the conference commenced, Roberto Cicutto, the President of the Biennale di Venezia, echoed the sentiment that the past year has not been wasted but rather a pivotal opportunity for introspection and goal-setting.
Expanding its reach beyond Venice, this edition will extend its program to engage audiences worldwide. Through media platforms, the exhibition will delve deeper into the fundamental role of architecture in society, addressing pressing issues such as the climate crisis, migration, political polarization, and economic disparities.
The United Arab Emirates, with their remarkable installation "Wetland," have been awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale. Curated by Lebanese architect Hashim Sarkis under the theme "How we will live together?," this year's edition is captivating visitors at the Giardini, Arsenale, and Forte Marghera until Sunday, November 21.
Claiming the Golden Lion for Best Participant is the German architectural collective raumlaborberlin, presenting their inspiring exhibition "Instances of urban practice." Additionally, the Silver Lion for a promising young participant was bestowed upon the Foundation for Achieving Seamless Territory (FAST), an architecture think-tank based in Amsterdam and New York, for their project "Watermelons, Sardines, Crabs, Sands, and Sediments: Border Ecologies and the Gaza Strip."
These prestigious awards, including three special mentions, were determined by the esteemed international jury chaired by Kazuyo Sejima from Japan and composed of Sandra Barclay from Peru, Lamia Joreige from Lebanon, Lesley Lokko from Ghana-Scotland, and Luca Molinari from Italy. Their discerning evaluations celebrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and societal impact in the field of architecture.
With 63 participating countries, including newcomers Grenada, Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, the exhibition embraces diversity and invites fresh perspectives. Sarkis affirms that the chosen theme reflects the very challenges that prompted the initial question, urging us to confront and respond to the urgent crises of our time.
From the captivating online exhibition, "The Disquieted Muses," to the recent prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement awarded to Lina Bo Bardi, whose work harmoniously blends nature, life, and society, the Biennale has been a catalyst for dialogue, collaboration, and meaningful change.
Prepare to embark on a profound exploration of architecture's potential to shape a better future as the 17th International Architecture Exhibition invites us to envision how we can truly live together in harmony.
In the UAE Pavilion at the Arsenale, the captivating exhibition "Wetland," curated by Wael Al Awar and Kenichi Teramoto, showcases the ongoing research on the crystallization process found in sabkhas, a solid ecosystem of natural salt flats in the Middle Eastern country. This exploration holds the promise of deriving a renewable construction material that can provide a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, thereby reducing its environmental impact.
The exhibition features a large-scale prototype constructed using an innovative cement derived from recycled industrial waste, along with a series of mesmerizing images capturing the beauty of the salt flats, crafted by artist Farah Al Qasimi.
With "Wetland," visitors are transported into a realm where nature's own processes inspire groundbreaking solutions for the built environment. The visionary curators and artists invite us to contemplate the transformative potential of harnessing the regenerative power of sabkhas in architecture and construction.
By highlighting the possibilities of eco-friendly materials and showcasing the harmonious integration of art and science, this exhibition encourages us to envision a more sustainable and responsible future for the construction industry. "Wetland" stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to innovation, ecological preservation, and the advancement of sustainable practices in architecture.
Regarding the best participant, raumlabor presents "Instances of urban practice" at the Corderie of the Arsenale, showcasing two ongoing projects in Berlin: Floating University, situated in a water basin formed by urban waters near the former Tempelhof airport, and Haus der Statistik, just outside Alexanderplatz. The exhibition, created in collaboration with Kulturprojekte Berlin, focuses on these two spaces dedicated to cultural exploration, which share their origins in an artistic initiative, evolving into complex forms of self-organization and public-civil cooperation.
The 17th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice is a testament to the visionary power of architectural design and its potential to shape a harmonious and interconnected future.
words JAGRATI MAHAVER
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