Titled decadently with the prospects of its theme in the 17th International Architecture Exhibition, the pavilion resonates with the pros and cons of technology. The technical advancement binds the coalescence between humans and architecture; drawing this as the main focus of the exhibit.
‘It’s not for you, It’s for the Building’, The Latvian Masterpiece at the Venice Biennale Dictates the Aftermath and Footprints Technology Leaves.
Technology may be the key tool in the climate crisis, yet it creates unforeseen challenges. The pavilion is a beacon of answer for this issue, states the designer. Designed by the architecture office NRJA, the pavilion is assembled from May 21st to November 22nd, 2021. The main focus of the exhibit was to draw attention to the upsurge of hyper-intelligent machines and their colossal impact on architecture. (Baltic News, 2020)
The showcase was an urge to understand the tech-filled architecture as viewed from the perspective of a human. This theory was to enumerate the in-depth knowledge of the coalescence and the coexistence between individuals and modern tech. The motive of a sustainable future was at the core of this display and potentially to gain the interest for a better living prospect.
The biennale was intended to reach out to as many through a virtual detour in these uncertain times as well. Architect Uldis Luksevics states how the power of just a visualization was now real, and couldn’t stop gushing about how the product was even better than what he had hoped for.
The essence of the exhibit was to be transparent and highlight the topic that has taken the world by storm currently, says Luksevics. Sounds have played a major role in bringing the theatrics, like any other exhibit. Other than the background score Uldis says the fabricated structure is to produce the sound that would reverberate when a person walks or sits on a metal bench, two contrasting, yet a menacing piece. (World Today News, 2021)
The installation is a creation of immersive black pipelines featuring more like something out of a sci-fi movie comparative to a parasite or so. It borders along with a structure similar to the outline of a house, a metaphor for human space. The conception of what the people think from outside the structure and altered completely inside. The installation showcases the contradiction between the problematic relationship between humans and technology. (Stouhi, 2021)
“The synergistic experience of learning on how to cohabit with the tech machines is an ode to the sustainable partnership of humans and machines, that have been a product of our theories that has withstood the negative thoughts.” — Latvian Curation Team
The Latvian pavilion stands as a part of the Venice Biennale 2021 among many other countries echoing their tackle with the field of architecture and modernism. The biennale being termed as a hybrid event is the result of the extensive usage of digital means.
The ideology or the intent was too upfront about the current situation corresponding to the climate crisis itself by the Biennale. As important as the world of technology may seem, there is the baggage of negativity that comes along. The Latvian Pavilion stands right about that base concept. It mediates the exploration of how humans perceive, resist, and custom technology for their aids.
‘A Friendly Neighbour In Lieu of a Threatening Intruder?’ Speckled Perspective by The Latvian Pavilion on Display.
The Minister of Culture Dace Melbarde has been all praises for the participation of Latvia in the exposition platforming their contemporary arts. Receiving mainly positive responses, the elicit success of the pavilion and the theme has readily addressed a wide range of audience exhibiting its ease of understanding message.
The Minister also addresses the importance of the participation in such Biennale as an important show of talents for the artists themselves and how it possibly opens up new opportunities. The ABLV Charitable Foundation and the Republic of Latvia’s Ministry of Culture have also set the agreement of supporting each other’s cause, and create a people-aided installation for the exposition.
The Latvian Pavilion is a quixotic masterpiece that explains the misunderstood concepts of coliving and thriving in the machine-filled environment. Luksevics has also acknowledged the idea of participating in such exhibits as it portrays a part of their culture and encourages newer approaches to the contemporary world. Evelina Ozola, a city planner and an architect, states that it is not about the prize or honorary mention but rather such exhibits voice the opinions of designers.
The installation is reportedly said to bring people of different backgrounds under the same banter, of understanding and learning the proper aid of technology and the prospective sense of coexistence.
The Latvian Pavilion has already welcomed full-time visitors and colleagues from other neighboring countries as well. The head curator Elina Libete has spoken exclusively stating that the pavilion has piqued interest in all kinds of visitors, from young kids to people who have established themselves in the professional field.
The enthusiastic encouragement that they have received is from people who have been able to experience this astonishing life and have given a positive review on the delivery hitting right to the mark.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, The Venice Biennale has left no stone unturned in revealing a successful event. As the exhibition this year has been termed as a hybrid, the context was to unravel the newer imagined spaces by architects. The biennale comprises participation from 61 countries and has been open to people from all over the world who can view this in the comfort and safety of their homes, celebrating as the Biennale has gone digital too!
References
- World Today News (2021). Latvian pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale – noticeable and significant. [online]. (Last updated: May 20, 2021). Available at: https://www.world-today-news.com/latvian-pavilion-at-the-venice-architecture-biennale-noticeable-and-significant/ [Accessed date: 28/05/2021].
- Baltic News (2020). The installation “Disconnected Connections” of the Venice Architecture Biennale will be on display in the Dome Square. [online]. (Last updated: September 4, 2020). Available at: https://baltics.news/2020/09/04/the-installation-disconnected-connections-of-the-venice-architecture-biennale-will-be-on-display-in-the-dome-square/ [Accessed date: 28/05/2021].
- Dima Stouhi (2021). Latvian Pavilion at the 2021 Venice Biennale Explores Human Resistance to Technology. [online]. (Last updated:May 20,2021). Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/962053/latvian-pavilion-at-the-2021-venice-biennale-explores-human-resistance-to-technology [Accessed date: 28/05/2021].
