The 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, running from May 10 to November 23, 2025, presents a profound exploration of architecture’s role in addressing global challenges. Curated by Carlo Ratti, the exhibition is themed “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” This theme delves into the multifaceted concept of intelligence, emphasizing the integration of natural ecosystems, technological advancements, and collective human experiences in architectural practices.
Bahrain Pavilion: ‘Heatwave’ – A Testament to Climate Resilience
Bahrain’s “Heatwave” pavilion, curated by Andrea Faraguna, has been awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Participation. The exhibition confronts the escalating challenges of extreme heat, showcasing architectural solutions that blend traditional cooling techniques with modern innovations. Through immersive installations, it offers insights into adaptive strategies for living in increasingly hot climates.
‘Cool Forest’ by Scape Studio: Urban Greening as Climate Adaptation
Scape Studio’s “Cool Forest” installation presents a portable grove of trees planted in coconut fiber beds, demonstrating the potential of urban greening in mitigating heat islands and enhancing city resilience. The project exemplifies how integrating natural elements into urban design can contribute to climate adaptation strategies.
British Pavilion: ‘Geology of Britannic Repair’ – Exploring Colonial Legacies
The British Pavilion’s “Geology of Britannic Repair,” curated by Owen Hopkins, Kathryn Yusoff, Kabage Karanja, and Stella Mutegi, examines the enduring impacts of colonialism on architectural practices. The exhibition delves into themes of restitution and reparative design, proposing pathways for architecture to address historical injustices and foster inclusive futures.
Austrian Pavilion: Agency for Better Living – Housing as Common Good
Austria’s pavilion focuses on socially responsible housing. Through four prototype environments, the exhibit explores cooperative living, affordability, and climate-conscious construction. Curated by Michael Obrist, Sabine Pollak, and Lorenzo Romito, the space argues for housing as a collective right, rooted in care and adaptability.
Canada Pavilion: Picoplanktonics – Living Architecture
Canada’s Picoplanktonics showcases bio-integrated structures designed with living cyanobacteria that absorb carbon dioxide. Curated by Andrea Shin Ling and the Living Room collective, the installation merges architecture with microbial life, proposing a regenerative approach to building. The humid, glowing pavilion invites visitors to experience architecture as an ecological system in itself.
These exhibitions at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale exemplify the event’s overarching theme, Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., by showcasing how architecture can evolve through interdisciplinary collaboration, ecological integration, and a commitment to social responsibility.
