The Venice Biennale of Architecture Through the Eyes of Félix Michaud

Organized around the idea of Freespace, the 16th International Architecture Exhibition curated by Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara took place in Venice last summer. Our contributor Félix Michaud was there to capture the most striking interpretations of this intricate theme. Here, he presents a selection of the spaces that attracted his eyes along with some images of the rest of his adventure in Italy.

The Croatian Pavilion: Cloud Pergola by Alisa Andrasek

Experience of Space [The Practice of Teaching] by Valerio Olgiati

“Freespace describes a generosity of spirit and a sense of humanity at the core of architecture's agenda, focusing on the quality of space itself.”

— Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara

Fondazione Prada, Milano

“Freespace encourages reviewing ways of thinking, new ways of seeing the world, of inventing solutions where architecture provides for the well being and dignity of each citizen of this fragile planet.”

— Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara

The Nordic Countries Pavilion: Another Generosity curated by Eero Lundén

Percorso by Álvaro Siza Vieira

“Freespace can be a space for opportunity, a democratic space,
un-programmed and free for uses not yet conceived. There is an exchange between people and buildings that happens, even if not intended or designed, so buildings themselves find ways of sharing and engaging with people over time, long after the architect has left the scene. Architecture has an active as well as a passive life.”

— Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara

Punta della Dogana by Tadao Ando

The Australian Pavilion: Repair by Baracco+Wright Architects in collaboration with Linda Tegg

The German Pavilion: Unbuilding Walls curated by GRAFT and Marianne Birthler

Vatican Chapel by Smiljan Radic