19th Venice Architectural Biennale - just a glimpse of what was on display

While the Canadian Pavilion was quite disappointing, there were several excellent national pavilions and some impressive displays throughout the grounds. Below are some of the hundreds of displays that were most worthwhile.

"The German Pavilion exposes visitors to the reality of the coming urban climate, both physically and psychologically. Split into Stress and De-Stress, the exhibit allows people to directly experience extreme heat, highlighting the need for action, while simultaneously offering impetus and solutions for resilient urban planning. The delicate, wind-stirred installation of a cluster of windsocks on the pavilion’s roof by artist Christoph Brech poetically illustrates the complex interplay of climatic phenomena."

The following displays were found in the excellent Spanish pavilion.

The following was one of the most impressive displays at the Biennale. But you need to take time to study it at home. https://calculatingempires.net/

I very much liked this pavilion since it highlighted something a professor taught me in 1967. If you make a mistake, don't try and hide it. Make a feature of it!

Since arriving in Venice I worried how they were going to manage sea level rise. Here's a short summary of what they are doing and a small display from the Biennale.

Venice manages sea level rise primarily through the MOSE project, a system of 78 mobile barriers at the lagoon's inlets that can be raised to block high tides. This is supplemented by other measures like reinforcing quaysides and improving infrastructure. However, while the barriers provide protection, they are considered a temporary solution as climate change and rising sea levels pose long-term threats. 

When I attended the 2012 World EXPO in Yeosu Korea, there was a display on how to purify polluted water. I came across a similar display in Venice, but it was more impressive!

Norman Foster is a very famous and successful British Architect who was asked to sponsor a display through his foundation. He partnered with Porsche. This is one of the things they came up with.

To learn more about the Venice Biennale, which unfortunately ends soon, you can go here: https://www.labiennale.org/en