13th Architecture Biennale

David Chipperfield wanted to give his profession some direction. Yet this once again proves that the function of architecture and the role of the architect do indeed find themselves in a state of flux – in more ways than one.

In some of the country pavilions at the Architecture Biennale it becomes clear that the “Common Ground” of construction and a shared life cannot be a matter for the architects alone.

Venice-born architect Carlo Scarpa worked for the Venini glass manufactory from 1932 until 1947. Coinciding with this year’s Architecture Biennale the new exhibition space “Le Stanze del Vetro” has launched – with an homage to Scarpa’s Murano glass creations.

The 13th Venice Architecture Biennale is themed “Common Ground”. As expected, the architects rounded up by David Chipperfield to contemplate the space they share in common have done so in multiple different ways. Some fall back into old patterns, while others are open to embrace collective processes.

Venice’s 13th Architecture Biennale is another kaleidoscope of a presentation. A tour in images of the Giardini and the Arsenale quickly shows just how diverse, and yet how ruptured and contradictory the “common ground” is that David Chipperfield evokes as regards the architecture of all the exhibitions and pavilions.