The Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza is the protagonist on the island of San Giorgio of the exhibition itinerary inspired by the encyclicals Laudato si’ and Fratelli tutti of Pope Francis.
The Holy See makes its second appearance in the Architecture Biennale with its Pavilion titled Social Friendship: Meeting in the Garden, located on the Island of San Giorgio. The exhibition takes place in the enchanting spaces of the garden and the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore. Drawing inspiration from the encyclicals Laudato si’ (2015) and Fratelli tutti (2020) by Pope Francis, the exhibition’s entire itinerary is guided by the profound and uplifting words of the pontiff.
At the heart of the Pavilion is the esteemed Portuguese architect, Álvaro Siza, who was previously awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in 2012. Collaborating with the Italian collective Studio Albori (Emanuele Almagioni, Giacomo Borella, Francesca Riva), Siza has created remarkable installations within the exhibition halls. The exhibition showcases a captivating itinerary that highlights Siza’s work and its resonance with the themes explored in the encyclicals. Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education and commissioner of the Pavilion, praises Siza’s enduring youthful spirit, even at the age of ninety. Siza’s architecture transcends conventional boundaries and embraces an ever-evolving and dynamic approach. It serves as a powerful political and poetic manifesto, offering insights into the potential of human encounters.
The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first part takes place within the Benedictine Monastery, directly accessible from the Darsena Grande. The second part unfolds in the Abbey garden, presenting the vegetable garden as a symbol of our connection with Creation. This section showcases a modest and frugal practice, paying homage to the principles outlined in the encyclical Laudato si’, which inspired Studio Albori in developing the new configuration.
Visitors are invited to stroll among vegetable gardens, chicken coops, seed storage areas, and resting spots, engaging in acts of recognition and contemplation. All the wood used in the installations has been repurposed, reflecting the desire to give places, cultures, and living beings a second chance at life.
