The Taiwan pavilion at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition, part of the Venice Biennale, opened May 24 in Italy, showcasing innovative construction practices aimed at integrating buildings into their surroundings in the northern county of Yilan.
Overseen by the Ministry of Culture and implemented by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, “Living with Sky, Water and Mountain: Making Places in Yilan” highlights works by acclaimed Taiwan talent Huang Sheng-yuan and his firm Fieldoffice Architects based in the county. Comprising models, publications and short documentaries, the pavilion explores Fieldoffice’s creative methods of melding projects into their environments through the use of recycled materials and time-honored sustainable techniques.
Speaking at the opening of the pavilion, Deputy Minister of Culture Pierre Tzu-pao Yang said the firm’s core architectural principle is to foster an intimate relationship between a structure, the landscape and residents. “Their creations are not simply beautiful, but improve quality of life,” he added.
According to Yang, the theme of this year’s Venice Biennale, Freespace, is well suited to exploring Huang’s work. “Freedom is not simply about the freedom to leave, but the freedom to stay,” he said, quoting the architect on his decision to settle in Yilan over two decades ago.
Javier Ching-shan Hou, head of Taipei Representative Office in Italy, lauded the pavilion for illuminating forward-looking architectural approaches as well as enhancing exchanges with diverse audiences from around the world. It also highlights the country’s rich cultural assets and openness to design innovation, he added.
Huang noted that Fieldoffice’s projects often take years to complete as the firm’s architects are encouraged to develop a deep connection with the local community and learn from environmentally friendly construction methods traditionally employed by agricultural workers and fishermen in the region.
This approach is also reflected in the exhibition space, Huang said, noting that the poles holding some displays were erected through the customary loofah trellis technique used by Yilan farmers.
The pavilion marks Taiwan’s 10th appearance at the biennial architecture exhibition since 2000. It is open to the public free of charge through Nov. 25 at Venice’s Palazzo delle Prigioni. (CPY-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw