Highlights from the Giardini pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2016 (Part I), Venice

Architect Alejandro Aravena is the artistic director for “REPORTING FROM THE FRONT”, the 15th International Architecture Exhibition organized by the Venice Biennale 2016.
The theme focuses on the desire of making a difference in our society, presenting projects that demonstrate innovation, resolve, and quality problem-solving abilities.  The architects involved tackle issues such as segregation, inequalities, access to sanitation, natural disasters, housing shortage, migration, and the participation of communities. The German national pavilion, directed by Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM),  presents some of the innovative solutions of established refugee camps as well as different ways to integrate migrants.

“We believe  that the advancement of architecture is not a goal in itself but a way to improve people’s quality of life. Given that life ranges from very basic physical needs to the most intangible dimensions of the human condition, consequently, improving the quality of the built environment is an endeavour that has to tackle many fronts: from guaranteeing very concrete, down-to-earth living standards to interpreting and fulfilling human desires, from respecting the single individual to taking care of the common good, from efficiently hosting daily activities to expanding the frontiers of civilization.“ — Alejandro Aravena

The 15th International Architecture Exhibition will be on view until November 27th, 2016 at the Venice Biennale, Ca’ Giustinian, Venice.

Photo Giacomo Cosua