The Flanders Architecture Institute is commissioner of Composite Presence, the Belgian contribution to the Biennale Architettura 2021 in Venice. The exhibition, curated by Bovenbouw Architectuur, shows a model landscape representing the friction between city and architecture in Flanders.
The scenography by Bovenbouw Architectuur shows a piece of urban landscape on a scale of 1/15. 50 recent projects by 45 contemporary Belgian practices contribute to the imaginary landscape.
The project selection reveals the importance of the current policies in Belgium when it comes to city planning and tendering. Many of the designs in this cityscape stem from procedures set up by city architects, the Flemish Government Architect, and related committees and administrations. This model arrangement simulates the negotiated urban environment that has slowly emerged from this field of expertise. (Dirk Somers, curator)
more about the exhibitionOn 20 May, Dirk Somers (curator, Bovenbouw Architectuur) and Sofie De Caigny (director & commissioner, Flanders Architecture Institute) officially opened the exhibition during an online preview.
Watch the online preview"The model landscape confronts the visitor with the friction between city and architecture in Flanders."‐ Dirk Somers, architect and founder of Bovenbouw Architectuur
The selection of projects depicts a healthy architectural ecology in which different styles, functions and typologies coincide. Many of the 50 projects are refurbishments and adaptations, adding up to the variegated experience of form, time and texture. Whether projects are modest reuses or shiny newbies, they all share an interest in contributing to a city that is simultaneously patched up and balanced.
discover all 50 projectsOn the occasion of the Composite Presence project a catalogue is being published. Next to additional information on the exhibition and the fifty projects involved, the book delves into the aspect of architectural policy through contributions by, among others, Leo Van Broeck (former Flemish Government Architect), Christian Rapp (Antwerp City Architect), Kristiaan Borret (Brussels Government Architect), Edith Wouters (artistic director Ar-tur) and Peter Vanden Abeele (Ghent City Architect).
more informationThe Flanders Architecture Institute is producer and commissioner of the exhibition in the Belgian pavilion at the seventeenth edition of the Biennale Architettura 2021 in Venice. In August 2019, a call was sent to architects, urban planners, designers, researchers, critics and artists to develop an exhibition concept that responds to the theme of memory as a design studio.
Out of 57 entries, the jury selected Bovenbouw Architectuur as the winner.
to the callWith the exhibition Composite Presence in the Belgian pavilion, the Flanders Architecture Institute is participating in the public programme Pavilion Days 2021 from 23 to 24 September at the Architecture Biennale in Venice.
more informationThe seventeenth edition of the Architecture Biennale in Venice runs from 22 May to 21 November 2021 in Giardini, Arsenale and at various places in the city. The theme for the 2021 edition is "How will we live together?" The main curator is the Lebanese architect Hashim Sarkis (Hashim Sarkis Studios).
22.05.2021 - 21.11.2021
Giardini della Biennale
Venice
Italy
From August 6, 2021, in compliance with the Decreto Legge n. 105 of 23 July 2021, every person must present an EU Covid Certificate (Green Pass) to access the exhibition areas of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition at the Giardini and the Arsenale.
producer Flanders Architecture Institute
curator and scenography Bovenbouw Architectuur
on the initiative and with the support of the Flemish Community
with the additional support of the Flemish Government Architect, the City Architect of Antwerp and the City Architect of Ghent
main partners Reynaers Aluminium | Delen Private Bank
partners: Rockfon | Vectorworks | Kubus
supporting member: Gavra ceramics and surfaces
member: Sto, Knauf
