Open Call Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 – 6 projects selected

The open call was open to participants who were invited to contribute to the official programme of the Biennale as part of the theme ‘Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.’ By means of this open call, the Fund aims to showcase the quality of Dutch architecture and urban design at an international event.

general impression

The selected projects show a strong connection with the theme of chief curator Carlo Ratti. The theme ‘Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.’ explores a shift in traditional architecture by seeking alternative approaches, focusing on experimentation and highlighting the symbiosis between science, design, architecture and art.

The proposals approach intelligence in different forms: ranging from artificial intelligence to biological structures and collective knowledge production. For instance, in Biotopia, The Why Factory explores the symbiosis between humans, nature and technology, while VOLUME develops sustainable souvenirs as a meaningful connection between architects and the public. SCRUTINY is creating a prototype based on LLM (Large Language Models) that will improve the visitor experience and make the Biennale more accessible to the public.

The selection transcends traditional boundaries between disciplines and aligns with Carlo Ratti’s interdisciplinary approach. Each project seeks collaborations that are both artistically and socially relevant, with a clear emphasis on the integration of technology, design and social issues.

selection

Some notable projects include:

Afaina de Jong – ERL / Distributed reasoning: Transition Through Transmission
Afaina de Jong is presenting the project ERL / Distributed reasoning at the Arsenale during the Venice Architecture Biennale. ERL (Embodied Restoration Lab) is her initiative for a new kind of AI model, which recognises scarcity in ecosystems, prioritises oral and diasporic knowledge, and seeks a just future free of colonial influences. For the Biennale, she is connecting all the current contributors through a supplementary study. She is also making speculative and artistic interventions for the first architectural designs from this model. She will share the results through knowledge sessions at the Arsenale during the Biennale.

Marina Otero – Building for Quantum
Building for Quantum is a video installation being presented by Marina Otero at the Architecture Biennale’s main exhibition at the Arsenale. The installation consists of a film that documents the construction of the building for the sixth IBM quantum computer and a spatial installation based on IBM’s Quantum System Two. The project looks at the construction of the second Quantum Centre in Europe and what this technology means for society and architecture. Quantum computing could change the way we understand and practise architecture. It goes beyond traditional three-dimensional spaces and offers new possibilities such as integrating time, material changes and connected systems.

SO-IL – Necto
SO-ILs installation at the Arsenale shows how temporary architecture can be light, flexible and intelligent. Necto provides an innovative approach to textiles as an alternative to formwork, unlike the traditional wasteful construction methods. The installation is knitted with natural-fibre yarn in translucent ochre shades. Tension shapes the material into a flowing hypar surface that adapts to its surroundings and takes shape between the columns of the Arsenale.

numbers

The open call started on 29 November 2024 and continued until 28 January 2025, when the subsidy ceiling was reached. During this period, we received nine applications. After a check on the formal criteria and completeness, 6 applications were taken into consideration and awarded grants.

A budget of € 75,000 was available for this open call, with a maximum contribution per project of € 12,500. The total amount awarded was € 74,540.

The Venice Architecture Biennale will take place from 10 May to 23 November 2025.

Banner picture: VOLUME - Tourism x Architecture