venice biennale 2012: australian pavilion preview

a water taxi journey around the giardini returning back to the australian pavilion via zip line image © richard goodwin pty ltd

this year’s australian pavilion at the 13th international architecture biennale in venice, italy will feature the theme ‘formations: new practices in australian architecture’. collaboratively conceived by anthony burke, gerard reinmuth and TOKO concept design, the exhibit will illustrate unifying concepts within the profession of architecture while celebrating the inherent points of departure to respond to the biennale’s chief curator david chipperfield‘s topic of ‘common ground’. stimulating a conversation about global issues, this collection will encourage collaboration and engagement.

six architectural groups which regularly test the accepted perspectives of the field have been selected as the sampling to showcase what it takes to become an architect. visitors begin with sydney-based richard goodwin pty ltd‘s water taxi journey around the giardini followed with a zip line ride across the canal allowing exploration of the public and private spaces within venice while extending the exhibition beyond the pavilion itself. inside, a digital installation by 2112 AI: 100 YR City will display futuristic vision for the european capital of culture within the city of maribor, solvenia, demonstrating how external pressure to the profession can influence urban designs. archrival has designed ‘arena calcetto’, an informal meeting point outside the pavilion with foosball tables to foster discussion amongst visitors of the other international pavilions.

an informal meeting area in the forecourt of the australia pavilion featuring sculptural foosball tables image © archrival

healthabitat will travel on the ground and meet with local venetians to improve their residences, addressing design and health related issues. the architect’s radio show will broadcast live during the event, hosting academics and practitioners.

a live roaming show hosted by architects and academics image © the architects

the creative directors, anthony burke and gerard reinmuth have stated: ‘the exhibition participates in the global discussion about the evolution and future of architectural practice, placing forward-thinking australians at the heart of this conversation and exploring the increased opportunities that alternate forms of architectural practice present for the international profession to shape the built environment and make significant contributions in new fields of work.’

a digital installation that showcases futuristic urban visitors for the european capital of culture, maribor, slovenia image © 2112 Ai (100yr city)

a complex robotically fabricated sculptural installation image © supermanoeuvre

a touring team consulting local venetians about ways to improve their homes image © healthhabitaat

formations exhibition creative team (left to right) TOKO concept design, anthony burke, gerard reinmuth

formations exhibition creative directors (left to right) gerard reinmuth + anthony burke

the 13th international architecture biennale is curated by london-based architect david chipperfield. the theme of the event is entitled ‘common ground’ and will run from 29th of august through 25th november 2012, in venice, italy.