Debut show: we visit the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale’s newcomers

The Philippines

The Filipino word ’muhon’ (translated roughly as ‘monument’ or ‘place-marker’) is the theme for the Philippines’ debut at the Biennale. Curated by Leandro V Locsin Partners, the exhibit examines Manila’s growth since its decimation during the Second World War and highlights architectural happenings in the city...

European Cultural Center, Palazzo Mora, Strada Nuova, 3659

... The construction of a ‘muhon’ could be considered as an act of affirming one's existence, explain the curators, almost staking a claim to a part of the universe and creating a sense of belonging to a place. The Philippines Pavilion sets out to explore this notion in its show, proving that a city once struggling for an identity is fast crafting its own presence through the introduction of influential architecture.

European Cultural Center, Palazzo Mora, Strada Nuova, 3659

The Baltic Pavilion

This year sees Lithuania's first appearance at Venice, though Latvia and Estonia have participated before – but this is the first time in the Biennale's 15 years that the Baltic countries have united as a single group. With the region currently undergoing a phase of regeneration, the Pavilion, assembled by a team of the region's finest young architects and curators, presents the trio's different architectural infrastructures, industries and spatial practices...

Palasport Arsenale, Giobatta Gianquinto, Calle San Biagio 2132

... Not wanting to distinguish between abstract ideas and realised work, the Pavilion – located in the 1,600 sq m space of the Palasport Arsenale stadium – presents its 100 projects as an ongoing dialogue about the region’s future and past.

Palasport Arsenale, Giobatta Gianquinto, Calle San Biagio 2132

Yemen

Presented by The Yemeni Ministry of Culture, ‘Beautiful Yemen’ coincides with a difficult moment in the country’s history. Directly linked with the Biennale's theme of ‘Reporting From the Front’, Yemen’s small installation addresses the fact that its national monuments are facing destruction...

Arsenale, Campo della Tana, 2169/S, 30122

... Hoping to preserve its unique history and raise concern for its architectural heritage, the Yemen Pavilion showcases projects that highlight some of the country's most intricate and breathtaking structures. ‘One must reach Sana’a, no matter how long the journey takes’, the popular saying goes, referring to the old capital city’s beautiful skyline.

Arsenale, Campo della Tana, 2169/S, 30122

Nigeria

'Diminished Capacity’, Nigeria's first ever participation at the Venice Biennale, sets out to examine the country’s past and the pressing need to rewrite history in order to move forward. Curated by Camilla Boemio and presenting work from artist and architect Ola-Dele Kuku, the exhibit touches on themes micro and macro global changes, migration and the 'diminished capacity of countries'. Africa is frequently – and inaccurately – labelled as a 'country', an issue highlighted in the exhibit's themes of identity, form and structure.

... Kuku uses ‘conflict’ as a central theme in his work. ‘Conflict has played a crucial role since the dawn of creation, from the stories of the Big Bang to the paradise of Adam and Eve,' he says.

Spazio PUNCH – Giudecca 800/o, 30133

Seychelles

Making its debut appearance in Venice, the Seychelles Pavilion, dubbed ’Between Two Waters, Searching for Expression in the Seychelles’, will transport its visitors to the 115-island archipelago and Africa's least populated nation. Presented through the medium of film, the Pavilion explores the Seychelles’ search for identity, starting with its breathtaking coastlines and rich cultural heritage...

Palazzo Michiel, Strada Nuova 4391, 30121

... Drawing on the vacation economy, the exhibition, curated by Andres F Ramirez, features work by Seychellois firm ADD.locus and presents a conversation on the challenges faced by architects working on these paradise islands.

Palazzo Michiel, Strada Nuova 4391, 30121

INFORMATION

The Venice Architecture Biennale runs until the 27th November 2016. For more information visit La Biennale’s website