Venice Architecture Biennale Features 66 Pavilions, Over 750 Teams

The 19th Venice Architecture Biennale, curated by Carlo Ratti, explores the theme of 'Intelli. Natural. Artificial. Collective.' through diverse national pavilions and exhibits that investigate the evolving roles of architecture in society. The Chinese Pavilion, curated by Ma Yansong, embodies the concept of 'Coexist,' focusing on harmonizing tradition, nature, technology, and emotion, and features interdisciplinary teams addressing challenges such as urban renewal and sustainable reuse of materials like concrete. Ma highlights the importance of recognizing cultural diversity within China and integrating emotional and spiritual dimensions into contemporary architecture, moving beyond material innovation alone. This biennale emphasizes global dialogue on architecture's role in adaptation and transformation, featuring contributions from various countries despite some pavilion closures. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical shifts influence architectural and technological exchange, as seen in Spain's growing partnership with China in sectors like AI and cleantech, reflecting a pivot away from strained transatlantic relations under President Donald Trump's administration. Overall, the event serves as a dynamic platform for addressing future challenges through inclusive, imaginative architectural practices.