Stone has always played a critical part in the development of humanity; used in everything from the creation of small intricate objects to some of the world’s largest architectural structures. To celebrate the material’s numerous possibilities and cultural heritage, 'Resistance', an exhibition curated by Guta Moura Guedes, and commissioned by cultural festival experimentadesign and stone research facility Primeira Pedra (First Stone), aims to explore the possibilities of working with Portuguese stone.
Presented during the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale, the exhibit invites leading architects Álvaro Siza, Amanda Levete, Bijoy Jain, Elemental and Mia Hägg to investigate the theme of ‘resistance’ through their own personal adaptation of the materials on offer. Portugal has a rich history of extracting marble and limestone, and Primeira Pedra wanted to initiate a research initiative which would investigate the stone’s possible uses and functions. The two materials were selected due to their resistance properties, which subsequently inspired the theme of the show.
The exhibition, which is one of a three-part series, will run over a period of 18 months; 'Resistance', 'Still Motion' and 'Common Sense' will be exhibited in locations such as Venice, London, Milan, New York, Basel and Dubai, drawing to a close in 2018. A second presentation will take place during Art Basel 2017, and will include an exterior exhibition space for the objects, an interior space exhibiting concepts and a showcase for the production processes (which will be accompanied by a film and digital light installation).
Stone has always played a critical part in the development of humanity, used in everything, from the creation of small intricate objects to some of the world’s largest architectural structures. Pictured: Mia Hägg’s stone pieces
The exhibition aims to explore the possibilities and challenges of working with stone, namely Portuguese marble and limestone
One of the main reasons for selecting those two types of natural stone was resistance levels, which also helped inspire the exhibition's name. Pictured: Amanda levete’s stone object
INFORMATION
’Resistance’ will be on view from 25 May until 4 October. For more information, visit the Venice Architecture Biennale website
Photography: Pedro Sadio
ADDRESS
Dépendence Villa Hériot,
Calle Michelangelo 54/P
Giudecca, Venice
-
Exclusive archive images spotlight Flos’ most iconic lamps and their creatorsFlos presents ‘Icons’, a visual story featuring 12 key lamps designed by great masters of design for the Italian lighting specialist
-
Morning Dove in Twentynine Palms combines earth construction and otherworldly desert viewsMorning Dove by Homestead Modern in Twentynine Palms offers a striking landscape and rammed-earth construction for idyllic desert escapes
-
Boffi and Zaha Hadid Design’s new Cove Kitchen, an Italian island dreamThe newly updated Cove Kitchen is conceived as a modular hub of creation and conviviality
-
Naples Central Station boasts a wavy, wooden signature roof that is dramatic and sculpturalNaples Underground Central Station by Benedetta Tagliabue is a work of art that’s inviting and vibrant, matching its dynamic context
-
Venice Architecture Biennale 2025: a glimpse of what’s to come and a call for submissionsVenice Architecture Biennale 2025 curator Carlo Ratti talks about the theme, 'Intelligens'; the first glimpses into what’s to come at the festival's launch next spring include an open call for submissions
-
‘Carlo Scarpa: The Complete Buildings’ is an essential tour of the Italian master’s works‘Carlo Scarpa: The Complete Buildings’ is the perfect book for architecture enthusiasts
-
New Aesop Milan store is a haven of beauty and tranquillityThe latest Aesop Milan store to open is a hub of wellness, beauty and tranquillity in the Italian metropolis
-
A new water mirror casts a misty veil over ancient Roman bathsArchitect Hannes Peer reveals a water mirror in Rome – an immersive architectural installation at the heart of the ancient Baths of Caracalla
-
Giovanni Michelucci’s dramatic concrete church in the Italian DolomitesGiovanni Michelucci’s concrete Church of Santa Maria Immacolata in the Italian Dolomites is a reverently uplifting memorial to the victims of a local disaster
-
Milan’s 10 Corso Como revamp nods to the concept store’s industrial characterMilanese concept store 10 Corso Como unveils its new look by 2050+, a stripped-back design that nods to its 20th-century character
-
Carlo Ratti announced curator of Venice Architecture Biennale 2025Carlo Ratti has been revealed as the Director of the Architecture Department at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, with the specific task of curating the 19th International Architecture Exhibition
