The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the four design teams shortlisted for the creative directorship of the Australia Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. This prestigious event, held biennially, showcases innovative architectural designs from around the world. The shortlisted proposals reflect a diverse range of themes and approaches, each aiming to highlight unique aspects of Australian architecture and culture on an international stage.
Redux: Transforming Asbestos
The proposal titled “Redux” by Jessica Spresser and Peter Besley focuses on the human impact of asbestos in Australia. This exhibition aims to transform the narrative around asbestos, from a hazardous material to a carbon-negative by-product. The design features large-scale panels and columns made from former-asbestos mineral render, creating a striking visual impact. The modular display is designed to be adaptable for future exhibitions, emphasizing sustainability and innovation.
The central exhibition space will include maps of asbestos building stock and dump sites, providing a historical context to the material’s use and disposal. The project also involves contributions from various experts, including Bill Gammage and Rory Gardiner, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the topic. By reinterpreting asbestos, the proposal aims to spark conversations about environmental responsibility and creative reuse.
This innovative approach not only addresses a significant environmental issue but also showcases the potential for architectural materials to be repurposed in meaningful ways. The use of former-asbestos materials in a new context highlights the importance of sustainability in contemporary architecture.
Precarious Actions: The Marked Home
“Precarious Actions: The Marked Home” by Ian Strange, Fleur Watson, and Jon Clements explores the fragile relationship between people and their homes. This exhibition builds on Ian Strange’s research into the human history of markings on homes, which can symbolize various social and political issues. The proposal includes a large-scale marking and light installation on the pavilion’s exterior, creating a powerful visual statement.
Inside the pavilion, a “precarious home” installation will highlight the instability of housing conditions in contemporary society. The exhibition will also feature a scaffold structure with curated works by Australian architects, responding to the current housing crisis. A taxonomy installation of historical markings on houses will provide further context, while a film will explore the research behind the project.
This proposal aims to provoke thought and discussion about the role of architecture in addressing social issues. By examining the marks left on homes, the exhibition seeks to reveal deeper insights into the human experience and the challenges faced by many in securing stable housing.
A New Normal: Sustainable Futures
The team of Georgia Birks, Ewan McEoin, Rachel Nolan, Dr. Timothy Moore, and Ross Harding presents “A New Normal,” focusing on sustainable architectural practices. This proposal emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to environmental challenges, showcasing projects that integrate sustainability into their core design principles. The exhibition will feature a series of case studies highlighting successful sustainable architecture projects from across Australia.
Each case study will demonstrate how architects are addressing issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanization. The exhibition aims to inspire visitors by showing practical examples of how sustainable design can be implemented in various contexts. Interactive displays and multimedia presentations will engage visitors, providing a deeper understanding of the principles behind sustainable architecture.
By highlighting these projects, “A New Normal” seeks to promote a broader adoption of sustainable practices in the architectural community. The proposal underscores the importance of forward-thinking design in creating a resilient and sustainable future.
