The 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale curated by Carlo Ratti is here again with its 19th Edition bringing engaging themes of ‘Intelligens-Natural- Artificial-Collective’ interpretations open to the public from May 10, 2025, to November 23, 2025. The concept for this edition revolves around inclusivity, adaptability and collaboration which sums up as harmonious intersections of multi-disciplinary ideas and approaches transcending to transformative experiences. Among many one-of-a-kind pavilions is The Swiss Pavilion which stirs significant design dialogues regarding gender dynamics in design and architectural elucidations.
The Custodians of the Swiss Pavilion
The all-female team of five extremely capable professionals – Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Füglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, and Myriam Uzor aim to reimagine and create a version of the Swiss Pavilion if it was designed by Lisbeth Scahs instead of Bruno Giacometti. The exhibition will showcase Scash’s works celebrating the competent and fierce female architect’s legacy. She happens to be one of the first registered female architects and a contemporary of Giacometti. The team conveys their idea of juxtaposing two different architectural visions in coexistence that reflects gender dynamics and commendable creative, imaginative abilities of different genders that bring magic to the table promoting inclusivity of architectural history and modern practices thereby honouring architectural legacy and continuity.
The Inspiration Behind
Elements of Lisbeth Scah’s 1958 SAFFA Pavilion coupled with multi-sensory site interactions in the form of soundscapes from field recordings arousing historical memory inspire the exhibit. Reinterpreting the current Swiss Pavilion led to the endeavour of interlacing a modern building appreciated for its volume, form, courtyards and space amidst a garden with the underemphasis of women architects and their notable works in the Venice Biennale pavilions. The larger picture is still behind the curtains and shall be an element of surprise determined by the architect directly on site.
The exchange of dialogues – An understanding
Architecture in the past has been predominantly a male industry where pioneering female architects like Lisbeth Sachs, Mary Ritter and many more had created their identity which resonated with the people and turned out to be a priceless endowment. However, the larger platforms back then appeared to encourage more avenues for men. With changing times, today, thousands of female architects are making their mark in the architectural realm. Gender Dynamics is gelling well creating a sound and healthy community for all creative minds giving out a loud and clear message about the significance of both genders and their authentic imaginative abilities.
The curators of the Swiss Pavilion deliver a message about what could be improved today if history and innovation collaborate, with healthy gender dynamics at the forefront. Their presentation of top-tier, memorable products emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in all aspects, which is just as vital in architecture. Despite significant progress, there is still room for improvement in achieving equal opportunities for both men and women, particularly in fields like architecture. By prioritizing inclusivity and challenging long-standing biases, we can continue to create more equitable environments, ensuring that both men and women have equal access to leadership roles and opportunities for growth.
Reference:
- Swiss-Architects. (2020). Architektur für eine geschundene Welt -. [online] Available at: https://www.swiss-architects.com/en/architecture-news/gefunden/architektur-fur-eine-geschundene-welt?utm_medium=website&utm_source=archdaily.com [Accessed 2 Feb. 2025].
- myrto katsikopoulou I designboom (2025). venice architecture biennale 2025: guide to the main exhibition, national pavilions & more. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/venice-architecture-biennale-2025-guide-main-exhibition-national-pavilions-more-01-21-2025/ [Accessed 2 Feb. 2025].
- ArchDaily (2025). https://www.archdaily.com/1026092/the-swiss-pavilion-at-2025-venice-architecture-biennale-examines-historical-gender-dynamics. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/1026092/the-swiss-pavilion-at-2025-venice-architecture-biennale-examines-historical-gender-dynamics?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all [Accessed 2 Feb. 2025].
