An imagined scenario is presented in which the administrators of Everyville are discussing how best “to give a sense of identity and coherence” to this new urban conglomeration, drawing in the citizens into the decision. During a consultation, these citizens are divided as to whether it should be “the symbolic fulcrum of the new community”. There are those who propose a symbolic and monumental building; others something like a university and campus able to house the administrative offices; others again a more traditional town hall. Most citizens, however, believe public buildings to be “a waste of time and money” and that a Starbuck’s would be more useful and appealing. The mayor of Everyville is interested in developing a “programme that goes beyond buildings”, in tracing out guidelines enabling the city to “grow as a cohesive and participative community, within a healthy setting”. Participants in the competition must imagine solutions conferring “an image, a coherence, a character and a civic consciousness” on the small town, in accordance with its position, history, site and future. The proposals may be eccentric and even utopian. The proposals presented must be developed as an idea or project showing “the citizens how Everyville will appear in ten years’ time and how this community will acquire significance through architecture”. The materials requested include two images (which can include several drawings) of the idea or project and a descriptive text in English of a maximum of 2000 characters.
Gruppo Telecom Italia, a partner of the Biennale di Venezia for other important initiatives, is renewing its commitment to the Fondazione by guaranteeing the availability of the best technology for the realisation in real time and exclusively on line, of an original and particularly rewarding contest for the young public.
Telecom Italia will stand alongside the Fondazione also for the successive “physical” manifestation of the winning and noted entries, which will be displayed in the Exhibition’s spaces in the Giardini and the Arsenale.
Newitalianblood, the only interactive portal equipped with patented systems for the integral operation of competitions and architectural awards on line, is providing the dedicated software for the operation of the contest on line. domus, the international magazine, is collaborating in the realisation of the initiative by offering valuable promotion of the contest.
The 11th International Architecture Exhibition, Out There: Architecture Beyond Building, directed by Aaron Betsky and organised by the Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta, will be held in Venice from Sunday 14th September to Sunday 23rd November 2008 in the Giardini and at the Arsenale. The vernissage will take place on the 11th, 12th and 13th September 2008.
Aaron Betsky –former director for six years of the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAI) in Rotterdam, one of the most important museums and architecture centres in the world, and director since last year of the Cincinnati Art Museum – is putting together the 11th International Architecture Exhibition with the help of an international group of curators: Francesco Delogu, Emiliano Gandolfi, Casey Jones, Reed Kroloff and Saskia van Stein. Their work will form the basis also for a catalogue and a series of conferences and debates. The catalogue of the 11th Exhibition will be published by Marsilio. The official website is www.labiennale.org.
