International Conference “Archives and Exhibitions”

The conference began with a reflection on the use of archives in the 13th International Architecture Exhibition - Common Ground - curated by David Chipperfield (August 29, 25 November 2012). The theme of the exhibition has led the participants to reflect on issues concerning "continuity, context, memory and shared expectations". Participants were encouraged by the curator to demonstrate the importance of the influence and continuity of cultural engagement, illustrating "common ideas that form the basis of an architectural culture."

In Common Ground, 'History' is a living material: many installations incorporate archive materials and archives into a circuit of emotions, in a visionary perspective that broadens the possibilities of use. Archives and Exhibits was born from the observation that there are other ways of using archives in addition to the usual ones aimed at the historiography research.

La Biennale has devoted two days of debate organized into 5 sessions that include institutional interventions in the morning and two afternoon round tables.

On Saturday, October 20, he chaired the meeting with Paolo Baratta, President of the Venice Biennale, with contributions from David Chipperfield, curator of the 13th Exhibition and Ugo Soragni, Regional Director for Veneto's Cultural and Landscape Heritage. The Round Table was moderated by Fulvio Irace, a historian and critic of architecture, has examined the international situation: representatives of some of the most prestigious foreign institutions have compared research and interpretations.

On Sunday, October 21st, the day opened on the Italian scenario with the contributions of Paolo Baratta, President of the Venice Biennale and Erilde Terenzoni, archivist of Veneto. The Round Table, moderated by the rector of IUAV Amerigo Restucci, has seen scholars and representatives from major Italian institutions and focuses on archives conservation and communication.

The last session was devoted to the definition of a future work program, which includes seminars dedicated to specific aspects of safeguarding and using the archives of the twentieth century and of the contemporary.