Australia’s exhibition at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale promotes the "unexpected" and "non-traditional".
Economic, social and cultural changes have influenced the new direction for the Australian Institute of Architects shown in their exhibition at this year’s Venice-based Architecture Biennale.
With a focus on the changing role of architects, the exhibition titled Formations: New Practices in Australian Architecture will challenge the traditional perceptions of what it is to be an architect whilst at the same time aim to promote a collaborative environment between architects and the greater public.
The Australian Pavilion will showcase six architectural groups, each with its own installation portraying the global issues challenging architecture, whilst at the same time sticking to the "Common Ground" theme set by the exhibition director David Chipperfield.
The first installation will be a digital display that depicts futuristic visions of the Slovenian city of Maribor. It will act as case study to showcase the external pressures of urbanisation affecting architecture.
The "collaboration" theme will feature prominently within the informal meeting area at the forecourt of the Australian Pavilion, named "Arena Calcetto". The area will include sculptural foosball tables and is designed to encourage discussions between pavilions and to overcome the challenges bolstered by international rivalries.
A touring team of architects will consult local Venetians about the importance of health considerations when designing their homes and how they can improve their living standards. Similarly, a water taxi that journeys around the Biennale, before transforming into a zip-line for a speedy return, aims to suggest new ways for Venetians to experience their private and public spaces.
Formations will also feature robotically fabricated sculptures and a live broadcasting radio show that will be hosted by academics and architects throughout the duration of the vernissage.
As creative directors Anthony Burke and Gerard Reinmuth suggest: "Formations highlights the range of unconventional and world-leading architectural practice types being developed across Australia, celebrating new opportunities for architects that are working in non-traditional and unexpected ways."
The exhibition will place Australia amongst the world leaders in a conversation about architecture and future-proofed design, one in which Australia hopes to make significant contributions towards. Formations: New Practices in Australian Architecture showcases Australia as innovators in collaborative and democratic architectural design.
The exhibition will be open to the public throughout the Venice Architecture Biennale from 29th August – 25th November.
For more information:
Australian Institute of Architects
Website: www.architecture.com.au
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