The Biennale as Metabolism

Date: 23 February 2023
Time: 6.30 pm - 9 pm
Location: Het Nieuwe Instituut

Every other year, the international architecture community travels to Venice to be inspired by the exhibitions and to discuss the pressing issues confronting the field. Against the backdrop of a city suffering the effects of climate change and staggering under the weight of the tourist industry, numerous exchanges about sustainability take place. But where is the city of Venice in these discussions?

As commissioner of the Dutch pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, the Nieuwe Instituut has chosen to explore the sustainability of its biennial presence in collaboration with a number of other country pavilions. Developing this knowledge starts with mapping and visualising the metabolism of such national and international exhibitions. The Open Call Venice Architecture Biennale, made jointly by the Creative Industries Fund NL and the Nieuwe Instituut, addresses this topic in order to stimulate research and involve the Netherlands’ architectural community.

programme
During the event we hear from Ester van de Wiel, Onur Can Tepe & Crispijn van Sas, and V8’s Michiel Raaphorst about their research. Jane da Mosto (We Are Here Venice) will outline the Venetian context and Jan Jongert (Superuse) will describe the paradigm shifts needed for a circular and sustainable architecture. In line with the Nieuwe Instituut’s goal of acting as a testing ground, the Dutch pavilion will be used to test, support and apply initiatives during the 2023 edition. The theme and method both reflect the call of Lesley Lokko, the curator of the Biennale di Venezia Architettura 2023.

The evening will be moderated by Marieke van den Heuvel (MANN).

Photo above: Onur Can Tepe & Crispijn van Sas – Once upon a Time, a Sheet of Plywood arrived in Venice