USA Pavilion, ʺPorch :
An Architecture of Generosityʺ
USA Pavilion. Ph. ©Tim Hursley
The
United States of America is exploring a fascinating theme with its pavilion
entitled “Porch - The Veranda”, which offers an architectural excursus through various
contemporary twists on an emblem of American society for its social,
environmental, architectural, performative, hospitable, generous and democratic
implications.
USA Pavilion. Ph. ©Tim Hursley
Curated by the multi-disciplinary team of Marlon Blackwell Architects, Stephen Burks Man Made, D.I.R.T. studio and TEN x TEN, the exhibition focuses on and showcases an architectural icon that is often overlooked, yet deeply rooted in the cultural landscape of the United States with all its historical references and meanings. The new veranda built outside the US Pavilion is made of ordinary, reusable materials: Mass Timber - solid wood engineered as a sustainable building material - and soil from the surrounding area. A tilted, stepped, wooden platform set under a blue ceiling draws in and embraces the surrounding landscape, inviting the public to walk through the Pavilion's exhibition galleries
USA Pavilion. ©Tim Hursley
The exhibition entitled ‘PORCH’ addresses the vitality of contemporary American architecture and design by showcasing interesting new names and over fifty architecture firms from across the United States. The works on display look at pressing social, cultural and environmental issues, exploring them through the ethics and spirit of the porch. This exhibition focuses on connections and links between contemporary architecture and society, history, common values, the concept of adaptation, and the smart use of resources, dialoguing with the main theme of the Biennial: Intelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective.
