Global affair: Time Space Existence returns to Venice Architecture Biennale

Back for a second time during the Architecture Biennale, Time Space Existence, organised by the Global Arts Affairs Foundation, is currently on show in Venice, offering even more opportunities for thought and discussion over architecture’s most current themes.

The some-100 strong architecture show – an official Biennale Collateral event – has grown. This year, it spreads across three grand Venetian palaces; Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora and Palazzo Rossini. And the participating architects, invited by the organisers and coming from six different continents, don’t shy away from trying to address philosophical questions of time, space and existence – as the show’s theme dictates – through examples of their recent work.

The results are varied, ranging from drawings, models, film and larger scale spatial installations that blur the borders between art and architecture. At the same time they offer an interesting counter-weight to Alejandro Aravena’s main show at the Giardini and Arsenale, complementing, rather than antagonising it, casting a wider net for debate. Subject matters are respectively diverse, spanning from global travel to green spaces, public buildings and conceptual work.

Participants include architects and artists in all stages of their careers; from established names, such as Peter Eisenman, Denise Scott Brown or Singapore’s WOHA, to photographers (such as Patricia Parinejad, who also gave us unique access to her shots of the show).

Younger, dynamic practices, such as Dara Huang’s Design Haus Liberty, who created a mesmerising installation of hanging silver balls in a darkened space, also have a strong presence; while research projects joined the show this year, with notable examples being the University of Arkansas and the MIT.