Everyone knows the city built on the water, and everyone is aware of how extraordinary that is. But it’s only when you stand there and consciously let your gaze wander that you realize the full extent of this fascinating phenomenon. One of the most magnificent and beautiful cities, built entirely on stilts rising from the sea.
The official start of the excursion took place in an authentic little bar on the neighboring island of Lido. In a cozy gathering with Stefan, an architect from Fulda whose project is on display in this year’s German Pavilion at the Architecture Biennale, the architectural journey began with the big question: How can architecture be exhibited?
The master’s students attended the pre-opening of the German Pavilion, which featured an opening speech, and were allowed to enter this year’s exhibition, “Making Heimat. Germany, Arrival Country,” before the general public. As an “Arrival Country,” the German Pavilion is intended to be accessible to everyone at all times. There are no doors or barriers. Four large openings in the historic walls transform the German Pavilion into an open house. The breached walls are supported by green-painted steel beams that interact so playfully with the existing structure that they don’t even seem as though they were created specifically for this year’s Biennale. The exhibition in the German Pavilion explores concepts and examples from German “Arrival Cities” (neighborhoods of arrival).
The next day, the group visited the Arsenale and enjoyed a typical Italian dinner. On the third and final day, the students explored Venice’s small neighborhoods in small groups, strolling through the narrow streets while enjoying ice cream and espresso.
Summer semester 2016 (May 27–29), accompanied by Prof. Markus Pretnar
