Despite some attempts to theorize an “end of history” (which never happened), we can only helplessly verify that our pace continues to accelerate and our dependence on raw materials and energy is increasing, plunging us into a succession of (climatic, health, political and humanitarian) crisis. In this context, we can no longer expect to create and preserve immutable, perfect, “finite” objects and landscapes. The finitude of resources implies the non-finitude of processes: time is now the raw material of the project. How can we establish an open culture of the built environment that is continuous, collective and capable of constantly adapting forms and functions?
A regional and national event with international appeal. It is a high-level event that opens the doors of Villa Saroli to territorial experts and architects, as well as to the general public. The event addresses the many different stakeholders involved in the Baukultur process - including media and political actors. With this open approach, the Biennale contributes to the discussion on the social, economic and spatial changes taking place within today’s society.
past editionsa centre for urban culture dedicated to exploring issues related to the territory and sustainability. A place of openness and debate, it believes in architecture as a tool for interpreting and understanding the great transformations of the contemporary world. It encourages the participation of civil society, professionals and institutions in the formulation of a design vision for the future of the territory we live in. It involves citizens of all age groups through different languages and formats, with a programme that includes conferences, meetings, exhibitions, summer schools and workshops. Founded in 1983 in Vico Morcote as the European headquarters of SCI-Arc - Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, since 2015 the Institute has been based in Villa Saroli, in the centre of Lugano.
Ludovica Molo
Is an architect and director of the Istituto Internazionale di Architettura in Lugano.
Caspar Schärer
Is an architect and journalist, secretary general of the Federation of Swiss Architects (BSA-FAS).
Marc Frochaux
Is an art historian, architect and editor-in-chief of Tracés.
Cyril Veillon
Is director of the Archizoom exhibition space at EPFL Lausanne.
Ariane Widmer Pham
Is an architect and urbanist, cantonal planner of Geneva.
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