The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the five proposals shortlisted for exhibition at the Australian Pavilion at Venice's 2016 Architecture Biennale. The announcement comes following a two-stage presentation and selection process judged by the Venice Biennale Commission, currently helmed by AIA Immediate Past President Paul Berkemeier.
The 2016 Biennale will mark the inaugural exhibition within Australia's new pavilion at Venice, designed by Denton Corker Marshall and slated for a May 2015 opening.
Read more about the shortlisted projects after the break.
POST / John de Manincor, Sandra Kaji-O’Grady and Misho Baranovic
An inversion of the Tower of Babel, POST examines the unifying power of contemporary architectural projects. Rather than dividing communities— as is the case in the original legend— the proposal suggests that ambitious architecture is capable of bringing together people of all ideologies and parts of the world.
Comprising a collection of photographs and soundscapes sourced from architects, clients, builders, and social media, the installation would have a strong focus on communities and the social aspect of architecture. If realized, POST would explore architecture's effect on the forging of new relationships and creation of new wealths of knowledge and creative practices.
The Pool / Aileen Sage and Michelle Tabet
Aileen Sage and Michelle Tabet's proposal dissects the Australian social and cultural icon of the pool. Deconstructing the "democratic, social, and sacred principles" of a typology so steeped in culture and history, the proposal takes the form of a playful installation of lights, mirror, glass, and sound.
Promising visitors a true feast for the senses, The Pool would celebrate illusion and the manipulation of space.
Parlour Live! / Justine Clark and Naomi Stead with Maryam Gusheh, Catherine Griffiths and Fiona Young
Collecting the stories of Australian architects at all stages in their career, Parlour Live! seeks to challenge the stereotype and perception of "the architect." Project team Parlour is one of Australia's most prominent platforms for the discussion of the nexus between women, equity and architecture.
The proposal aims to present a view of the possession that is more inclusive than that currently absorbed by the mainstream, and highlight the pursuit of equity within the profession.
Wide Open / Ed Lippmann, Dr Anne Watson, Susan Freeman and Michael Hill
Wide Open will use multimedia material to trace the chronology of Australian architecture, combining still and moving images to present a comprehensive survey of the unique typology.
Depicting the emergence of a unique architecture from a collection of disparate influences, the proposal encompasses over 250 years of architectural development, spanning pre-colonization to contemporary times.
Objects / Andrew Burns and Mark Gowing
Focusing on architectural practice and the physical artifacts generated by the design process, Objects privileges "the by-products of architectural production" over the "built outcome."
Subverting the conventional primacy accorded to the finished architectural product, Burns and Gowing's exhibition would exhibit an array of intermediary materials including construction drawings, material prototypes, pre-cast formwork, and site photographs curated from firms across Australia.
The winning proposal will be announced on April 21 at events in both Sydney and Melbourne.
