Reconstruction project of the Russian Pavilion in Venice
and the project of the exposition in the pavilion for
Venice Biennale 2020
Theme of Venice Biennale 2020: "How will we live together."
As a basis we took skepticism to all kinds of political appeals and decided to interpret artistically the possibility / inability to "live together" in the future.
What we got: the entire reconstruction process is a kind of architectural performance stretched for 1.5-2 years. At this time the Russian pavilion designed by architect Schusev is dressed in scaffolding. The silhouette of it more or less accurately repeats the silhouette of another Shchusev building - Lenin Mausoleum.
The architect’s creative path is an “example” of adaptation to life within two different regimes: Tsarist Russia - the Soviet Union, but this is not the only issue.
Ziggurat / Tower of Babel / Mausoleum - in such forms, architecture has historically shown us the idea of (meaningless) social unity, expressed with the greatest power.
And these forms, by the way, have potential to materialize again and again, as soon as rhetoric of the unifying braces begins to dominate individualism (the latter is a hotel in North Korea).
The appearance of a frame mausoleum in the gardens of Giardini is a mirage, a nightmare, but also a kind of hint at the most likely outcome of the idea of social unity and participation, when this unity and participation is an end in itself
The architect’s creative path is an “example” of adaptation to life within two different regimes: Tsarist Russia - the Soviet Union, but this is not the only issue.
Ziggurat / Tower of Babel / Mausoleum - in such forms, architecture has historically shown us the idea of (meaningless) social unity, expressed with the greatest power.
And these forms, by the way, have potential to materialize again and again, as soon as rhetoric of the unifying braces begins to dominate individualism (the latter is a hotel in North Korea).
The appearance of a frame mausoleum in the gardens of Giardini is a mirage, a nightmare, but also a kind of hint at the most likely outcome of the idea of social unity and participation, when this unity and participation is an end in itselfI
In addition, the scaffolds have a functional significance and fulfill their task of temporary infrastructure, at the same time being a viewing platform with a beautiful view, and an exhibition area that can be used while the pavilion is closed for the period of construction work.
We see the practical goal of reconstruction in improving communication qualities of the pavilion without interfering with its architecture, as well as restoring lost historical parts (windows, decor).
We proposed to connect 3 levels of the pavilion with a scissor lift:
So we tactfully correct the existing separation of levels, provide convenient loading of exhibits,
access for disabled groups without extra ramps and stairs + expand the exhibition and recreation area due to the exploited roof.
