Architecture is a gift: Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara in Venice – Photo by Andrea Avezzù Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Venice 2018 – “The FREESPACE exhibition conceives architecture as an act of generosity” say Yvonne Farrell and Shelly McNamara, co-founders of Grafton Architects and curators of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition which inaugurates on May 26 and explores the power of architecture as a tool to improve the built environment through public spaces.

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Entrance of the FREESPACE exhibition at the Central Pavilion at Giardini – Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

“Architecture is a gift.”  Said the curators to Archipanic in an interview for the L’Officiel Italy. “In the effort to translate FREESPACE into the many wonderful languages of the world, we hope that it prises open the ‘gift’ which architectural invention has the potential to contribute with each project. Freespace celebrates architecture’s capacity to find additional and unexpected generosity in each project – even within the most private, defensive, exclusive or commercially restricted conditions.”

“Bamboo Stalactite” installation by Vo Trong Nghia/VTN Architects – Photo by Francesco Galli.

The most influential architecture event runs until November 26 with exhibitions and events across the city. Farrell and Mc Namara’s FREESPACE exhibition is on show at the Corderie dell’Arsenale and at the Central Pavilion at Giardini; it features projects by 71 prominent studios including installations by leading female architects like Allison Brooks, Benedetta Tagliabue, Dorte Mandrup, Odile Decq and Jeanne Gang, as well as works by former Biennale curators Kazuyo Sejima, Aleandro Aravena and David Chipperfield.

Allison Brooks’ installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.

“We have discovered invention and creativity at the micro and macro scales: historic buildings liberated by the intelligence of the architects; forgotten buildings re-visited and brought to life; transformative typologies of habitation; infrastructural needs translated into public and civic facilities.”

Dorte Mandrup’s installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.

“It has been a revelation to witness the variety of architectural responses to the vast differences in culture, climatic conditions, economies, construction techniques, received from architects throughout the world. At the same time it is important to note that at the core of the variety of  individual architects’ work is the shared respect of the Earth as client”.

Valerio Olgiati’s installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.

The curators present also two side exhibitions. Close Encounter, meetings with remarkable projects features works by prominent Irish firms reflecting on well-known buildings of the past. The Practice of Teaching collects projects developed as part of teaching experiences. On show projects by Francis Diébédo Kéré/Kéré Architecture, Mario Botta, Francisco and Manuel Aires Mateus and many more professional working both as architects and professors.

Mario Botta’s installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.

Images: courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia.

Installation by Miralles Tagliabue EMBT – Photo by Francesco Gallli.

Kèrè Architecture’s installation – Photo by Andrea Avezzù.