Victoria architect presents New Zealand design in Venice
Senior Lecturer Simon Twose from the School of Architecture, and Professor Andrew Barrie of the University of Auckland, have recently returned from Venice following the successful installation of their architectural design work in the Palazzo Bembo, as part of the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale 2012.
The Biennale is an event that highlights contemporary issues in architecture and presents the latest research from international architects on these current themes. A vast range of work is exhibited across Venice, in the national pavilions, the dedicated exhibition halls and specific sites across the city, of which the Palazzo Bembo is a key venue.
Simon and Andrew each presented two projects through specially prepared models and drawings in an installation entitled Familial Clouds. The projects are contextualised within a family tree of New Zealand architectural practice, displayed as a series of miniature models on a large plinth. Two buildings by Simon are broken into a cloud of 550 design drawings, models and images that encircle the walls.
Their installation forms one section of the Palazzo Bembo‘s group show of international architects, including globally celebrated figures such as Japanese architect Arata Isozaki.
The Architecture Biennale is the premier event in the international architecture calendar. The architecture event alternates with the Art Biennale, which last year hosted Michael Parekowhai‘s work in the New Zealand pavilion.
To date New Zealand has been officially represented at the Architecture Biennale only once before when Simon and Andrew presented student work in 1991, as part of an international student exhibition. The installation won the Venice prize at the time for best exhibition.
The exhibition opened on 29 August and runs until 25 November.