Strong visual impressions for the Architecture Biennale

17th international architecture exhibition La Biennale di Venezia (22 may to 21 november 2021)

Biennale Architettura 2021, Foto: © Ugo Carmeni

As one method to illustrate the future of urban development, the curators of the Austrian Pavilion at the 17^th International Architecture Biennale in Venice opted for large-dimensioned signs made by Forster.

Opened in late May, the Austrian Pavilion at the Architecture Biennale in Venice is dedicated to “platform urbanism”, a concept that describes the impact of digital platforms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon on the tone, architecture and, not least, quality of life in our cities. Helge Mooshammer and Peter Mörtenböck, curators of the Pavilion, are certain that the old order and structures are about to dissolve – but how can this transition be visualised?

The designers of the exhibition decided on a full-scale analysis in various media, ranging from viewpoints of architectural theory and urbanistic manifestos to space-typological studies and phantastic collages. While the outer part of the Pavilion focuses on the visitors’ participation in online platforms, the inner space mirrors the perspective of bloggers.

Seen from the vestibule, two monumental colourful objects are suspended from the ceiling on the right and left, featuring two slogans that provide the title to the work in the main gallery: Access Is The New Capital and The Platform Is My Boyfriend.

The large-scale signs – partly free-floating, partly attached to the wall – were made by Forster. Given the hallow location, a stable, high-quality, low-weight design with a depth of 80 mm (suspended signs) and 50 mm (wall signs) was of the essence. The suspended signs made of aluminium were blanked, welded, finished and powder-coated in RAL 9005 jet black (matte). Eyebolts were used for suspending the signs. In view of their extraordinary size (2700 x 800 x 80 mm), they were fitted internally with stiffening angles. The signs are imprinted on both sides with digitally printed film. The wall signs are of a similar design, 50 mm deep and imprinted on one side. A matte laminate prevents excess reflections and ensures that they are easy to read.

Curators: Peter Mörtenböck and Helge Mooshammer

Installation design: Heidi Pretterhofer | Pretterhofer Arquitectos

Head of production: Katharina Boesch | section.a

For insights into the Austrian contribution PLATFORM AUSTRIA, curated by Peter Mörtenböck and Helge Mooshammer, visit www.platform-austria-org.

PLATFORM AUSTRIA SATELLIT at the MAK Forum
28 May to 29 August 2021
For interested Austrians who are not able to travel to Venice during the Architecture Biennale, Peter Mörtenböck and Helge Mooshammer have organised an accompanying exhibition at the MAK Forum in Vienna. www.mak.at

PLATFORM AUSTRIA, Biennale Architettura 2021, Foto: © AFP | Andrea Ferro Photography

PLATFORM AUSTRIA, Biennale Architettura 2021, Foto: © AFP | Andrea Ferro Photography

PLATFORM AUSTRIA, Biennale Architettura 2021, Foto: © AFP | Andrea Ferro Photography