Step inside the breathtaking world of architecture: Biennale Architettura 2021 now open for all!

The 17th International Architecture Exhibition, titled How Will We Live Together?, has opened its doors to the public in Venice. Organized by La Biennale di Venezia and curated by Hashim Sarkis, this year's exhibition showcases innovative designs and thought-provoking installations that are shaping the future of our built environment.

With 112 participants in competition from 46 countries, the exhibition includes a growing delegation from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, with a wide female representation. The event is organized into five scales, with three exhibited in the Arsenale - Among Diverse Beings, As New Households, As Emerging Communities - and two in the Central Pavilion - Across Borders and As One Planet.

This year's exhibition also includes a series of participations out of competition, including Stations + Co-Habitats, a research project into the five scales with related case studies developed by researchers from universities around the world. Other notable highlights include Becoming Urban: Trajectories of Urbanisation in India and Microcosms and Schisms

One of the most exciting parts of the exhibition is titled How Will We Play Together? It features contributions from five international architects who have designed a project dedicated to children's play, on exhibit at Forte Marghera and open to the public. Additionally, the exhibition includes special participation by the Israeli artist Michal Rovner in the Central Pavilion, and Future Assembly, an exhibition within the Exhibition by Studio Other Spaces (represented by Olafur Eliasson and Sebastian Behmann).

This year's event also features several national participations that will bring to life the historic Pavilions in the Giardini, at the Arsenale and in the historic city centre of Venice, with three countries taking part in the Biennale Architettura for the first time: Grenada, Iraq, Uzbekistan. The Padiglione Italia at the Tese delle Vergini in the Arsenale, sponsored and promoted by the Ministry of Culture, General Direction for Contemporary Creativity, is curated by Alessandro Melis, which presents Resilient Communities.

Spanish architect Rafael Moneo is the recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the Biennale Architettura 2021. The acknowledgement will be awarded to Moneo on Saturday, May 22nd, on a live-streamed ceremony available on the official channels of La Biennale. To celebrate Moneo, Hashim Sarkis has set up a small exhibition inside the Book Pavilion at the Giardini, showcasing a selection of plastic models and emblematic pictures of the buildings realized by the Spanish architect.

LINA BO BARDI SPECIAL GOLDEN LION FOR LIFETIME ACHIVEMENT IN MEMORIAM

In conclusion, the Biennale Architettura 2021 is an event that shouldn't be missed by anyone interested in the future of architecture. With a diverse range of installations, exhibitions, and participations, this year's exhibition offers a glimpse into the innovative designs and thought-provoking ideas that are shaping the future of our built environment.

Lina Bo Bardi, is the recipient of the Special Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in memoriam of this Edition.“Her career as a designer, editor, curator, and activist reminds us of the role of the architect as a convener - stated Sarkis - and importantly, as the builder of collective visions. Lina Bo Bardi also exemplifies the perseverance of the architect in difficult times whether wars, political strife, or immigration, and her ability to remain creative, generous, and optimistic throughout.”  

Cover: Padiglione Centrale_Photo by Andrea Avezzù_Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

Press release Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia