2027 Venice Architecture Biennale: "Do Architecture" - A Call for Coexistence
The 20th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2027 is set to be a pivotal event, with acclaimed curators Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu at the helm. They have unveiled the intriguing theme, "Do Architecture - For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality," signalling a profound exploration into the role of design in our contemporary world. Scheduled from May 8 to November 21, 2027, the exhibition will span the historic Giardini, the expansive Arsenale, and various locations across Venice, promising a comprehensive and immersive experience for attendees.
The curatorial vision draws heavily from the foundational principles of Amateur Architecture Studio, established by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu in 1997. Their influential practice is renowned for its consistent dedication to repurposing salvaged materials, embracing traditional regional building methods, and fostering a seamless connection between historical architectural forms and modern constructions. Through their diverse projects, encompassing both urban and rural environments, the studio underscores the critical importance of artisanal traditions, collective memory, and the inherent spatial qualities embedded within everyday surroundings.
The architects' framework for the Biennale critically examines the current state of society, perceiving it as increasingly fragmented and unstable, with the discipline of architecture often detaching itself from the very communities and environments it aims to serve. They highlight the escalating impact of commercialization, the relentless pursuit of speed, and the dominance of image-driven production within the field. In response, their proposal passionately advocates for design methodologies that are more intrinsically linked to material processes, uphold social continuity, and embody a deep sense of long-term accountability.
The Venice Architecture Biennale, a global stage for architectural dialogue, consistently brings together visionaries to tackle pressing global challenges and conceptualize the future of the built world. The forthcoming exhibition by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu is poised to inspire and provoke new perspectives, encouraging a return to fundamental architectural values and a reimagining of how we build and inhabit our spaces, ensuring our creations foster genuine coexistence and a profound connection to the realities around us.