Venice Biennial: Cities' Housing Solutions
The "Agency for Better Living" exhibit at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennial served as a pivotal platform, drawing visitors from across the globe who shared a common concern: the escalating unaffordability of urban living. Recognizing the growing urgency of this issue, architects and curators Lorenzo Romito, Sabine Pollak, and Michael Obrist embarked on a comparative study of Rome and Vienna. These two European capitals, despite their distinct socio-political landscapes, have each implemented unique strategies to address the affordable housing challenge. The exhibition space was transformed into an interactive 'agency,' fostering a collaborative environment for learning, imaginative problem-solving, and critical discussions about potential solutions to the global housing crisis. A year following the successful installation, the trio reconvened to evaluate the exhibit's impact and delve into the unresolved questions that arose from their Venetian 'laboratory.'
During a dialogue with Pollak and Romito, both residing in Vienna, they reminisced about the initial conversations that sparked the "Agency for Better Living" concept, as they awaited Romito's remote participation from Rome. Pollak highlighted Romito's dedicated involvement in advocating for Spin Time Labs, a community initiative in Rome that provided shelter for over 400 individuals before its recent dismantling. This event tragically left many residents unsheltered amidst Europe's severe heatwaves. Upon Romito's virtual arrival, a warm reunion led into a profound conversation about the future trajectory of our cities. Obrist emphasized that the exhibition's origins were rooted in the escalating housing crisis, a dilemma that increasingly affects city dwellers globally, not just in Europe and America. He attributed this to the extreme financialization of the housing market and a delayed governmental response to the crisis. The Pavilion presented their extensive research through a blend of historical timelines, documentary films, and diverse visual content, enabling visitors to explore the historical contexts and current debates surrounding housing in Rome and Vienna. Collaborating with numerous researchers for textual content and conducting interviews with experts, the team delved into both historical and contemporary co-housing models, examining their financial underpinnings and organizational structures. Pollak, reflecting on her fieldwork in Rome with Romito, noted that the financial aspect of housing often remains a significant societal taboo. She underscored how, since the 2008 financial downturn, access to urban living has become a widespread challenge, no longer confined to specific socioeconomic groups.
Vienna was presented as a 'top-down' model, celebrated for its long-standing success in delivering highly affordable housing solutions, including social housing and government-subsidized homes, to approximately 60% of its populace. This comprehensive vision extends beyond mere cost-efficiency, incorporating essential community amenities such as swimming facilities, recreational areas, and communal spaces directly within residential buildings. In contrast, Rome exemplified a 'bottom-up' approach, where housing solutions originated from grassroots movements rather than direct governmental intervention. Obrist highlighted Romito's crucial role in this aspect, noting his deep understanding of the Italian capital's dynamics. The curators acknowledged that the 'top-down' and 'bottom-up' classifications were not absolute, as Vienna's social housing initiatives benefited from grassroots support, while some Roman city officials championed occupied spaces. Pollak emphasized that the true value lay in comparing these diverse systems to uncover potential models and foster constructive dialogue. Romito likened this comparative tension to an 'open space in the middle,' suggesting that no single solution exists for the complex housing crisis.
Pollak, Romito, and Obrist reflected positively on the multi-month run of the "Agency for Better Living," appreciating how the contrasting urban models of Rome and Vienna sparked a rich array of conversations about the housing crisis. The installation's influence has extended beyond its initial run, with its discussions continuing to resonate a year later. Romito specifically noted how the ongoing protests and negotiations involving Spin Time, property owners, and the Roman municipality echo the dialogues initiated by the Agency. He stressed the severe conditions, such as 40-degree heat, exacerbating the crisis, with thousands of people on the streets receiving support. Within this context of political activism, the Agency's principles are frequently invoked, even gaining recognition through Vienna's mayor Michael Ludwig's visit to Spin Time Labs in May 2026, further embedding the values presented at the Pavilion into real-world action. These endeavors collectively foster a hopeful outlook toward creating more equitable and accessible urban environments for all, advocating for collaborative and multifaceted approaches to tackle the persistent global housing challenges.