China announces exhibits for Venice Architecture Biennale

The Ministry of Culture and the China Arts and Entertainment Group on Aug 8 announced the selected artworks for the Pavilion of China at the upcoming 13th International Architecture Exhibition, known as the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Echoing the theme "Common Ground" brought up by this year's biennale curator — British architect David Chipperfield, China has chosen the subject of "Originaire", a word created to combine the meanings of "original" and "initial".

"We try to bring traditional Chinese philosophy to the spiritual and material discussion of architecture," said Fang Zhenning, curator of the Pavilion of China.

There will be five Chinese architects bringing installations from different perspectives to interpret the meaning of "Originaire".

Wang Yun's Square Garden demonstrates his studies on settlements and villages. Wei Chunyu's Variation analyses the temporal and spatial changes through the transformation of materials. Shao Weiping's Sequence uses plastic slices to form a linear demonstration of a mathematical law. Xu Dongliang's Lightopia features a grid formed by LED lights. And Tao Na's Palace in the sky provides an interactive approach for visitors to experience space travel among the earth, the planets and the galaxies.

The biennale will be held from Aug 29 to Nov 25 in Venice, Italy.