Photo Diary: 18th Venice Architecture Biennale

by Ivan Erofeev and Olga Smirnova // May 26, 2023

The 18th edition of Venice Architecture Biennale is an affair of looking forward. This year’s exhibition theme, ‘The Laboratory of the Future,’ turns focus to tangible models of architecture for the future, angled at sustainable, social and ecological approaches. Curated by Lesley Lokko, the edition shifts the status quo to reach new balance, with an even gender representation and an average age of 43 across participators. The central exhibition is led by distinguished practitioners from Africa and the African Diaspora working today, including Cave_bureau, Ibrahim Mahama, Olalekan Jeyifous and Kéré Architecture. As Lokko offers in her official statement, the exhibition does not encompass a single narrative but “multiple stories that reflect the vexing, gorgeous kaleidoscope of ideas, contexts, aspirations, and meanings that is every voice responding to the issues of its time.” Catch a glimpse of this year’s programme through Ivan Erofeev and Olga Smirnova’s photo diary, showing views from across the main exhibition and the Giardini pavilions.

‘Kwaee,’ designed by Adjaye Associates, part of Venice Architecture Biennale 2023: ‘Laboratory of the Future’// Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Ball Theater,’ curated by Muoto & Georgi Stanishev at the French Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Ivan Erofeev

‘Open for Maintenance’, curated by ARCH+ and Summacumfemmer Büro Juliane Greb at the German Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Ivan Erofeev

‘Uccellaccio,’ by HPO+Claudia Durastanti at the Italian Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Neighbours’, curated by Karin Sander and Philip Ursprung at the Swiss Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Unbuild Together,’ curated by architecture firm Studio KO at the Uzbekistan Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Ivan Erofeev

‘Renewal: A Symbiotic Narrative,’ curated by Ruan Xing at the Chinese Pavilion // Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Now, Here, There,’ curated by Emil Ivănescu, Simina Filat, Cătălin Berescu, and Anca Păsărin at the Romanian Pavilion // Photo by Ivan Erofeev

‘TCL’, curated by Uldis Jaunzems-Pētersons and designed by Ernests Cerbulis, Ints Menģelis, Toms Kampars, and Karola Rubene at the Latvian Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Transcendent Locality,’ curated by Poliksen Qorri-Dragaj and Hamdi Qorri at the Kosovo Pavilion // Photo by Olga Smirnova

‘Dancing Before the Moon’, curated by Jayden Ali, Joseph Henry, Meneesha Kellay and Sumitra Upham and designed by Yussef Agbo-Ola, Madhav Kidao, Sandra Poulson, Mac Collins, Shawanda Corbett, and Jayden Ali at the British Pavilion 2023 // Photo by Ivan Erofeev