The Venice Architecture Biennale is widely considered the world’s most prestigious international exposition of architecture. Educational programs, referred to as the Biennale Sessions are offered by representatives from an array of international Universities over the course of the Biennale. This year, for the first time, Iowa State University’s College of Design Department of Architecture (ISU.CoD.DoA) was invited to prepare a session.
“Fundamentals” is the celebrated theme of the 2014 Biennale, curated by Rem Koolhaas of the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). The theme is divided into three exhibitions: Absorbing Modernity 1914-2014, Elements of Architecture and Monditalia. The first – the issue each national pavilion was asked to address – is intended to provide historical research in order to explore how Modernity and globalization has, since 1914, formed the architecture we practice today. The second is intended to pay close attention to the fundamental elements of architecture – the floor, the wall, the ceiling, the roof, the door, the window, the facade, the balcony, the corridor, the fireplace, the toilet, the stair, the escalator, the elevator, the ramp, etcetera. The third provides an intensive focus on Italian design, understanding Italy as possessing one of the most prolific design cultures today.
The ISU.CoD.DoA Biennale Session will consist of a two-day student workshop and address the second of the Biennale themes – Elements of Architecture – and a one-day colloquium will address the first of the themes –Absorbing Modernity 1914-2014. The ISU.CoD.DoA faculty developing and leading the education program are: Cameron Campbell, Peter Goché, and Mitchell Squire.
For more information go to our 2014 Venice Biennale Facebook page