Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu Curate 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale
Curators advocate for returning to physical construction and material essence in architecture.
1Biennale Curatorial Vision
Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu have been appointed to curate the 20th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Scheduled for 2027, the event will span from May 8 to November 21 across the Giardini and Arsenale. Their central theme challenges the industry to return to the physical essence of building.
2Addressing Industry Disconnection
The curators argue that contemporary architecture has drifted from lived reality due to excessive commercialization and digital abstraction. By titling the exhibition 'Do Architecture – For the Possibility of Coexistence Facing a Real Reality,' they aim to bridge the gap between theoretical design concepts and the tangible, physical act of construction.
3Amateur Architecture Studio Legacy
This curatorial approach draws heavily from the philosophy of Amateur Architecture Studio, which the pair founded in 1997. Their historical work consistently emphasizes traditional building techniques and the strategic reuse of materials. These foundational principles will serve as the primary framework for the upcoming exhibition’s discourse on modern architectural practice.
4Focus on Local Knowledge
The exhibition prioritizes local knowledge and direct experience over speculative future projections. By highlighting how buildings are constructed in specific contexts, the curators encourage architects to engage deeply with their immediate surroundings. This shift aims to ground the profession in the realities of place rather than relying on globalized, abstract design trends.
5Coexistence of Opposing Forces
A core pillar of the 2027 Biennale is the exploration of coexistence between seemingly contradictory conditions. The exhibition will examine how technology can integrate with traditional craftsmanship and how urban development can align with rural building methods. This thematic focus seeks to harmonize diverse approaches within a single, unified architectural framework.
6Critique of Digital Over-Reliance
The curators explicitly address the impact of digitalization on the profession, suggesting it has alienated architects from the physical site. By emphasizing the 'act of making,' they invite participants to reconsider the role of manual labor and material handling. This perspective challenges the current trend of prioritizing digital representation over physical reality.
7Contextualizing Global Practice
The Venice Biennale serves as a critical platform for defining global architectural standards and future directions. By selecting Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, the organizers signal a move toward more sustainable, place-based methodologies. This event will likely influence how international firms approach material sourcing and community-integrated design in the coming years.
8Future Implications for Architecture
The 2027 exhibition represents a significant pivot toward materiality and site-specific responsibility. As the industry faces pressures from rapid urbanization and climate change, this return to essence offers a necessary counter-narrative. Professionals should monitor how these themes translate into practical applications for future urban development and sustainable construction projects worldwide.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu Curate 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale