The Danish Pavilion for the 2012 Venice Biennale will feature a collaboration between Greenlandic and Danish Architects called “Possible Greenland”. The exhibition will address the current development of the Arctic Region as Greenland undergoes a shift towards political independence and business development in the midst of dramatic climate changes. “Possible Greenland” attempts to look optimistically at the climate changes that are causing ice melts throughout Greenland. The shifting planes result in the exposure of vast mineral resources that can kickstart new industries and allow new urban cultures to emerge. The team of architects that designed “Possible Greenland” were led by internationally renowned Professor in geology at the University of Copenhagen, Minik Rosing and the young Danish architect firm NORD Architects of Copenhagen.
Explore the possibilities with us after the break.
Greenland is most directly affected by the acceleration of melting ice in the Arctic Sea. Head Curator Minik Rosing says that technological innovations will emerge as the geographical and geopolitical identity of Greenland shifts. He predicts that it will transform from “a remote and inaccessible corner of the world to a center of world trade”. The goal of this exhibition is to show Greenland’s viability and potential in the global market. He says that the land mass is of immense value, both for its mineral resources and potential for fresh ideas on the development of a sustainable society in a global world.
Danish Architects are investigating Greenland due to centuries-old cultural and political ties. Greenland holds tremendous experimental potential for investigating perspectives on coming up with global solutions. The exhibit will expose the world to what Greenland has to offer through images, film and artifacts. So what is to be expected at this exhibit?
- Cultivating: Architects are mapping current debates in Greenland with the hope of initiating discussion of these topics at the Venice Biennale.
- Connecting: The exhibit will present Greenlandic Transport Commission’s recommendation to establish a transatlantic airport outside of Nuuk. The project proposes a scenario where the new airport is coupled with a new container harbor to facilitate future shipping demands when the passages north of Greenland will open. It also raises the debate of the future for the other three Greenlandic municipalities once the airport is moved to Nuuk.
- Inhabiting: The exhibit will explore arctic building practices based on traditions that link Danish and Greenlandic customs.
- Migrating: Greenland has the potential to welcome tourism, mining and mineral exploration. The exhibition will explore historic migrations and urban development as well as its potential future.
- Comparative Studies: Possible Greenland explores where Greenland fits within the context of the global agenda and how its stands out among current practices, traditions and solutions.
Watch the video to hear Professor Minik Rosing speak about this project:
For more information and updates from the Danish Architecture Centre, click here.
