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The 19th International Architecture Exhibition, also known as the Venice Architecture Biennale, will take place from Saturday, May 10, to Sunday, November 23, 2025. A special preview will be held on May 8 and 9, just before the main event starts.
This year’s exhibition is curated by architect and engineer Carlo Ratti and is titled “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” It focuses on how architecture can help us respond to the growing climate crisis. As Ratti explains, “In the time of adaptation, architecture needs to draw on all forms of intelligence — natural, artificial, collective.” This means that instead of only trying to prevent climate problems, architects now need to help people and cities adjust to a changing world. That requires new ways of thinking and working together across different fields. Under that vision, the Venice Architecture Biennale will feature 66 national pavilions and over 750 participants from around the world, showing how teamwork and shared knowledge are key to building more sustainable and stronger cities. This year, we will also see the first participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Sultanate of Oman, Togo, and Qatar.
Padiglione Centrale, Giardini, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia
In addition to the main exhibition, many extra events will be organized by institutions that examine architectural topics beyond national pavilions. Some of the most interesting collateral events include “Catalonia in Venice_Water Parliaments” by Institut Ramon Llull, which looks at eco-friendly architecture, and UNESCO’s “Deep Surfaces” at Palazzo Zorzi, showing how architecture helps protect cultural heritage. Other highlights include a project by Jean Nouvel at Fondazione Giorgio Cini and Taiwan’s exhibition “NON-Belief: Taiwan Intelligens of Precarity” at Palazzo delle Prigioni, which explores the idea of living in uncertain conditions.
So, we’re really looking forward to this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. There’s a lot to see, and while we recommend checking out the full program on the official website, here are a few national pavilions that already stand out to us.
United States of America
Photo by Timothy Hursley. Folsom, Alabama. Courtesy of “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity” Co-Commissioners.
At the Giardini venue, “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity,” curated by Peter MacKeith from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas, explores the timeless architectural and cultural significance of the American porch, showcasing its continued relevance as a space for connection, inclusivity, and civic engagement. The porch also will serve as a venue for a series of events, such as performances, readings, and workshops, and will also feature a new porch structure designed by a team of well-known architects and designers: Marlon Blackwell Architects, Stephen Burks Man Made, D.I.R.T Studio, and TEN x TEN Studio, AIA, RA.
Bulgaria
Photo by Iassen Markov. Pseudonature, 2025. Concept image.
The Bulgaria Pavilion, titled “Pseudonature,” is curated by Iassen Markov and designed as an experimental installation positioned at the intersection of nature and technology, reality, and simulation. The installation contains both indoor and outdoor elements. Outside, physical interventions disrupt natural balances, highlighting the fragile interplay between technology and the environment. Inside, the space evolves into a setting for contemplation, where restoring equilibrium becomes a collective and introspective challenge.
Japan
Concept image of the renovation of the Japan Pavilion in Venice by AI. Visuals by Asako Fujikura and Takahiro Ohmura.
The Japan Pavilion, curated by Jun Aoki, will focus on artificial intelligence in architecture, emphasizing the concept of the in-between. The pavilion will feature exhibitors such as Tamayo Iemura, Asako Fujikura + Takahiro Ohmura , and SUNAKI (Toshikatsu Kiuchi and Taichi Sunayama). The exhibitions will explore the increasing autonomy of AI in the design world and raise questions about human and machine intelligence. The exhibition program includes installations, spatial studies, and generative AI experiments.The design of the pavilion is structured as an active experiment, where its architectural components- including the Hole, Wall Columns, Outer Walls, Brick Terrace, Pensilina, Tilted Loop Path, and Yew Tree- are positioned as interactive participants.
Iceland
Photo by Iceland Design Centre. Lavaforming Iceland.
The Iceland pavilion, titled “Lavaforming” and curated by Arnhildur Pálmadótti, focuses on creating sustainable building materials from controlled lava flows. The pavilion explores the country’s geological conditions, volcanic activities, and lava fields. Most interestingly, the pavilion sees lava not as destructive but as a renewable resource for construction. This concept envisions using lava flows as foundational material for buildings, significantly reducing environmental impact by avoiding harmful mining practices and leveraging nature’s power.
United Arab Emirates
Photo by Ola Allouz. Pressure Cooker, 2024. Courtesy of National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venezia.
The National Pavilion UAE, Pressure Cooker, curated by Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, it examines the link between architecture and food production, proposing sustainable food systems. The exhibition focuses on design, sustainability, and resource management in arid areas. Through research and fieldwork, pavilion will highlight food infrastructure in resource-rich landscapes. It reimagines both traditional and modern food production techniques, addressing food security and climate change. By exploring architecture’s role in food resilience, the exhibition envisions sustainable food systems in urban and rural settings.
Architizer’s Vision Awards are back! The global awards program honors the world’s best architectural concepts, ideas and imagery. Start your entry today, and take advantage of the Early Entry prices!
Top image: Overview Arsenale, Photo by Andrea Avezzù, Courtesy La Biennale di Venezia
