The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale opened to the public this weekend, showcasing a diverse range of exhibitions and projects that spotlight the intersection of architecture and environmental stewardship. Under the theme “Intelligence. Natural. Artificial. Collective,” the event emphasizes addressing climate change through sustainable design and innovative solutions.
Upon entering the Arsenale, visitors encounter “The Third Paradise Perspective” by the Pistoletto Cittadellarte Foundation. The installation features suspended air conditioners and water pools in a dark, humid room, starkly highlighting the urgent need for collective responsibility and climate action. Curated by Carlo Ratti, this 19th international architecture exhibition is significantly large, featuring contributions from over 750 participants.
The organizer attributes the scale to an open call for contributors who share concerns about climate change. Among the 66 national pavilions, the Kingdom of Bahrain was awarded the Golden Lion for best national participation. Their pavilion presented traditional passive cooling methods suitable for extreme heat conditions, reflecting the region’s architectural heritage.
venice biennale explores climate solutions
South Korea’s exhibition, “Little Toad Little Toad: Unbuilding Pavilion,” focused on the architecture’s relationship with its natural surroundings. Built in 1995, the South Korean pavilion emphasized sustainability by preserving the existing trees during its construction.
The Spain Pavilion, under the theme “Architectures for Territorial Equilibrium,” showcased projects emphasizing the use of local, regenerative, and low-carbon materials. The pavilion’s introductory text stated, “Every time we construct a space, we deconstruct another elsewhere. Building and territory are intimately connected through a material bond.
It is the responsibility of architects to ensure this bond is positive.”
Qatar Museums exhibited at two locations, exploring Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian architecture from the mid-20th century to the present. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani remarked, “This exhibition serves as a testament to Qatar’s role in fostering a deeper understanding of our diverse architectural heritage.”
The SMAC San Marco Art Center presented “For All That Breathes on Earth: Jung Youngsun and Collaborators,” featuring the works of Jung Young-sun, Korea’s first female land development engineer. British architect David Chipperfield praised Jung’s naturalistic and understated approach to design.
The Venice Biennale 2025 continues to showcase a wide range of exhibitions and projects that call for innovative and sustainable solutions in the face of climate change.
