Venice Biennial, the Nordic Pavilion reveals its contents

The first contents of the pavilions at the 15th Architecture Biennial in Venice directed by Pritzker prize-winner, Alejandro Aravena are arriving. The Nordic pavilion curated by David Basulto responds to the “Reporting from the Front” theme with nine projects that embody Scandinavian architecture.


The National Tourist Route Trollstigen, Reiulf Ramstad Architects. Photo: Diephotodesigner.de

“In Therapy: Nordic Countries Face to Face” is the title of the Nordic Pavilion at the 15th Architecture Biennial in Venice. Curator David Basulto, founder of the ArchDaily architecture portal, along with assistant curator James Taylor-Foster, intend to present a contemporary overview of Scandinavian architecture and they are doing this from a privileged perspective, as outsiders looking in.
So they selected 300 projects from the more than 500 submissions received to represent the “Nordic spirit” of contemporary design at the Venice exhibition.


Puukuokka Housing Block, OOPEAA Architects, Photo: Mikko Auerniitty


The New Crematorium Woodland Cemetary, Johan Celsing Architects. Photo: Ioana Marinescu

In addition to this central body, they will focus on three categories: Foundational – architecture that responds to basic needs (shelter, education, healthcare), Belonging – architecture that enacts public engagement and creates public spaces (culture, worship etc.), Recognition – architecture that reflects on certain processes in Nordic society and its values (monuments etc.).


The Tree Hotel, Tham Videgard. Photo: Åke E:son Lindman

Three projects were chosen for each category - one for each country (Norway, Sweden and Finland).


Halden Prison, Erik Møller Architects / HLM Architecture. Photo: Trond Isaksen


Råå Daycare Center, Dorte Mandrup. Photo: Adam Mørk

These include projects with visual impact and more, including the Trollstigen by RRA, the Seinäjoki Library by JKMM (link) and the Råå Daycare Centre by Dorte Mandrup (link). These design solutions embody the best of Nordic architecture, just like the Nordic pavilion itself, designed by Sverre Fehn as a crystallisation of the Nordic spirit, a skilful combination of structure, light and nature.


Seinäjoki City Library, JKMM Architects. Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo

We can't wait to visit the Nordic Pavilion at the preview so we can share our experience with our readers. 

Christiane Bürklein

Biennale di Architettura di Venezia 
Nordic Pavilion
Curator: David Basulto
Assistant Curator: James Taylor-Foster
from 28 May to 29 November 2016
Images: The National Tourist Route Trollstigen, Reiulf Ramstad Architects. Photo: Diephotodesigner.de; Puukuokka Housing Block, OOPEAA Architects, Photo: Mikko Auerniitty; The New Crematorium Woodland Cemetary, Johan Celsing Architects. Photo: Ioana Marinescu; Halden Prison, Erik Møller Architects / HLM Architecture. Photo: Trond Isaksen; Råå Daycare Center, Dorte Mandrup. Photo: Adam Mørk; The Tree Hotel, Tham Videgard. Photo: Åke E:son; Seinäjoki City Library, JKMM Architects. Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo