FORGING A VIABLE FUTURE

In its 19th edition, the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025 focuses on genuine sustainable solutions in a warming world. Together with Rolex, PRESTIGE heads to the world’s leading architectural event to learn how it works with top architects to improve built environments around the globe.

- Words: LYNETTE KOH

At the Biennale Architettura – also known as the Venice Biennale of Architecture – the leafy grounds of one of its main sites, the Giardini (“gardens” in Italian), is home to numerous national pavilions. Each structure offers fresh architectural contributions and perspectives by the participating country. The Japan pavilion curated by architect Jun Aoki, for instance, brings together natural building materials (such as timber and bamboo) and high-tech elements, such as an installation exploring the concept of Al-led design, to envision a nuanced, collaborative future.

Since 2014, Rolex has been the Exclusive Partner and Official Timepiece of the prestigious event, which runs from May 10 to Nov 23 this year. In Venice for a few sunny days in spring, PRESTIGE had the chance to view the new Rolex Pavilion, conceptualised by Nigerien architect Mariam Issoufou. Located amid nearly 30 pavilions at the Giardini, the pavilion might have been commissioned by Rolex, but it could have represented the city of Venice as well.

Issoufou's creation is a celebration of Venetian craftsmanship and materials. The facade of the structure is crafted with 200-year-old wooded beams sourced from old palazzi (grand historical residences). Green glass discs on the ceiling, meant to extend the dappled greenery of the trees surrounding the site, were made by Murano glassmakers. And beneath visitors’ feet, the terrazzo is made from an aggregate that includes recycled “Cottisso” glass shards.

Speaking to a select group of international journalists, Issoufou was the picture of confident eloquence, despite having a bad throat on the day of our roundtable interview. Asked about the process of realising the pavilion, she said, The founder of architecture and research firm Mariam Issoufou Architects espouses sustainable architecture using locally available resources, from skills to materials.