Image via http://www.gortscott.com/
The 13th iteration of the International Venice Architecture Biennale is about to swing its metaphorical doors open, welcoming visitors (170,000 last time!) for three months from August 29 to November 25, 2012. Considered the world’s most prestigious architectural event, it is held in alternate years with the renowned Venice Art Biennale, itself established in 1895. Fifty six countries will participate in the overarching theme “Common Ground,” chosen by director and British architect David Chipperfield, who will present the central namesake exhibition featuring 63 globally curated projects.
Joining the motif, the US Pavilion has been titled “Spontaneous Interventions: design actions for the common good.” Supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State, and organized by New York’s Institute for Urban Design, the pavilion will function for the first time as an installation rather than a straightforward showcase of projects. The interactive, temporal nature of the display is true to its descriptor, exploring self-initiatives to solve problematic urban situations.
Spontaneous Interventions - the US Pavilion
The exposition is reflective of a broader cultural shift toward decentralized empowerment, epitomized by the worldwide web and digital technology in the hands of the citizen advocate. The US Pavilion has gathered examples of crowd-sourced, temporary, guerilla, improvisational, and participatory tactical actions intended to demonstrate creative answers to the pressing issues of livability in our cities. From the practical to the symbolic, and from whimsical to confrontational, the collected projects catalog a growing movement toward grassroots strategies and user-generated action.
Guerrilla bicycle lanes, a spontaneous intervention
From the Institute for Urban Design’s own press release: “Together, these projects offer an opportunity to examine the history of the American city, painting a critical and dynamic portrait of its most pressing issues today and a vision of its future. At heart, Spontaneous Interventions is a reflection of country’s complex attitudes towards civic participation, social justice, and the built environment.” A new paradigm for democratic empowerment is manifesting on many fronts, and as Paolo Baratta, President of la Biennale has said, “Architecture is the tool for realizing the res publica, which is the place of individuals but belongs to everyone.”
Stay tuned for another #TravelTuesday goodie next week as we bring you a post about fine dining in London by one of our favorite interior designers Martin Brudnizki, whom we had the great pleasure of meeting during last year’s Design Miami/Art Basel Miami Beach marathon. He designed the South Beach stand-out Soho Beach House and he’s provided those of you headed to the Olympic Games this summer with yummy restaurant designs.
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