“Spaziale” expanded

Italian Pavilion, a public program beyond the Arsenal
by Marisa Santin
Mondo Novo - Buildings

Fosbury Architecture’s calendar has expanded at Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi in Venice and throughout the Peninsula, reaching places affected by “Spaziale”, their project for the 18th Architecture Biennale.

Alongside the nine sites representing conditions of fragility or transformation in our country – narrated in Spaziale, Everyone Belongs to Everyone Else by as many groups of architects under 40 active in Italy and abroad – Fosbury Architecture is introducing a program of activities that allows the project conceived for the 2023 Architecture Biennale to extend beyond the physical boundaries of the Italian Pavilion. Fosbury’s calendar has expanded throughout the Peninsula, reaching places affected by Spaziale. These events aim to foster a sense of community and inclusivity, rooted in the realities of each area.

For instance, one such event took place on a roof in the old city of Taranto, serving as the focal point of an exhibition conceptualized by the Post Disaster collective. The exhibition aimed to bridge the realms of design, contemporary art, and the local community. Another noteworthy project is SirenLand, a Terraforma Festival initiative in collaboration with BB (Alessandro Bava and Fabrizio Ballabio). SirenLand has transformed the Bay of Ieranto in Campania into an archaeoacoustic theatre, seeking to rediscover and preserve the pristine sounds from past eras.

By extending its activities beyond the traditional pavilion space, Fosbury Architecture seeks to engage with various communities and foster unique and meaningful connections between architecture, art, and local culture. This dynamic approach enables a deeper exploration of the transformative potential of architectural interventions and their impact on the built environment and its inhabitants.

Spaziale, Everyone Belongs to Everyone Else – Padiglione Italia. Ph: Marco Zorzanello

In Venice, Fosbury has launched Mondo Novo, a public program in collaboration with Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana, Pinault Collection, with the support of Bottega Veneta. Following the success of the first two events in May and June, titled Paradigms and Buildings, the program continues with three upcoming events at the Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi on 22nd September (Ecologies), 20th October (Economies), and 24th November (Masters).

The event Paradigms facilitated a discussion on the possibilities of an alternative architecture, featuring prominent figures such as Markus Bader, Scott Lloyd, and Anna Puigjaner. Buildings brought together Bianca Felicori and Italian rapper Ghali for a dialogue exploring the intersections between Italian musical culture and architectural themes.

Looking ahead, the program’s focus will shift to three engaging topics. Ecologies will delve into discussions concerning architectural practices and their relationship with environmental sustainability on 22nd September. Economies will take center stage on 20th October, exploring the economic aspects and implications of architectural endeavors. Lastly, on 24th November, Masters will offer insights into the works and philosophies of distinguished architectural masters.

By collaborating with Palazzo Grassi – Punta della Dogana, Pinault Collection, and receiving support from Bottega Veneta, Fosbury aims to create a vibrant and intellectually stimulating platform that fosters critical discourse on architecture and its diverse connections with other fields of culture and society.

Featured image: Mondo Novo – Buildings

Bianca Felicori in conversation with Ghali