Venice, Time–Space–Existence 2025: Two projects that deeply impressed us
- mborsett
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Time - Space - Existence 2025 is an international exhibition of contemporary architecture held in Venice during the Biennale, organised by the European Cultural Centre (ECC) . The exhibition brings together 207 participants (architects, designers and artists) from over 52 countries to respond to the themes of Repair, Regenerate and Reuse through innovative projects, installations, videos and models.
Set in historical venues such as Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora and the Giardini della Marinaressa, the exhibition offers a heterogeneous look at the challenges and visions of contemporary architecture, with a focus on sustainability, cultural identity and the future of living.
The Exhibition presentation panel at the entrance to one of the Palazzi that hosts it © 2025 Mba Photography
Time - Space - Existence 2025 adresses some of the most pressing environmental, social, and cultural challenges of our time . United by the belief that architecture holds both the responsibility and the potential to shape a better future, the exhibition highlights the vital role of architects and designers as agents of positive change, fostering more sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative ways of living.
Among the standout installations are “USB ” and “Periscope”, two architectural interventions offering powerful, yet contrasting interpretations of how we inhabit the world.
USB- Elemental and Holcim: Radical Simplicity Meets Sustainable Innovation
This project marks a significant collaboration between Elemental, the internationally renowned Chilean architecture studio led by Alejandro Aravena (Pritzker Prize 2016), and Holcim, global leader in innovative and sustainable building materials.
Their joint installation at Time–Space–Existence presents a modular housing unit conceived for rapid deployment in contexts of displacement or reconstruction. The system is based on prefabricated, low-carbon components that balance material efficiency with spatial dignity.
At the heart of this initiative is biochar, a charcoal-like material produced through the thermal conversion of organic waste. By integrating it with cement, mortar and concrete, the technology permanently traps carbon that otherwise ends up contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This approach enhances the environmental performance of construction materials, ensuring they actively contribute to carbon sequestration while retaining their functional effectiveness. As per the design team, each kilogram of biochar used prevents up to three kilograms of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.*
Rather than an abstract prototype, this is a real, buildable solution — architecture at the service of humanity, proving that ethics and beauty can, and must, coexist.
USB - Credits (verified sources):
Studio: Elemental (Chile)
Lead Architect: Alejandro Aravena (Pritzker Prize 2016)
Partner: Holcim
Design Team: Diego Torres, Francisco Saavedra, Juan Cerda
Materials & Innovation: Holcim R&D Division
Curatorial Coordination: European Cultural Centre (ECC)
Periscope: A Subterranean Architectural Prototype Embedded in the Landscape, Integrating Passive Environmental Systems
“Periscope” is an experimental subterranean dwelling developed by Metamorphic Art Studio in collaboration with Claerhout–Van Biervliet Architects .
Crafted by the creative minds of architect Xaveer Claerhout, engineer-architect Barbara Van Biervliet and artist Adriaan Claerhout, this artwork delves into the potential of periscope architecture as a gravity battery. *
Conceived as a fully embedded structure within the landscape, the project explores advanced passive design strategies, kinetic elements, and architectural typologies inspired by classical geometry and ecological integration.
This structure operates as a “viewing machine for light and space”—a poetic architectural response that reframes how inhabitants engage with landscape, gravity, and perception .
Spatial and Formal Strategy
The planimetric composition draws from Palladian symmetry and Roman courtyard typologies, organized around a central circular patio that serves as the primary lightwell and climatic moderator. The residence is distributed across two underground levels:
Level -1 includes the main access, kitchen, dining, and library areas.
Level -2 houses the double-height living area, wellness facilities (spa and gym), bedrooms, a home cinema, and service spaces.
This stratified spatial configuration allows for optimal distribution of natural light and ventilation via vertical circulation of air and light through the central oculus and surrounding sunken patios.
Kinetic Light System
At the core of the project’s innovation is a kinetic mechanism composed of two adjustable mirrors set at a 45-degree angle. These mirrors operate analogously to a periscope, channeling sunlight and framed landscape views into the lower spaces. Mechanized elevation and descent of these mirrors enables dynamic modulation of light intake. At night, the system functions as a gravity battery, harnessing potential energy through weighted descent to generate electricity—a novel integration of architectural motion and renewable energy storage.
Material and Technical Composition
The structural system is predominantly concrete, chosen for its thermal mass and earth-sheltering benefits. Interior finishes include natural wood and recycled aggregates, selected to enhance sensory experience while minimizing embodied energy. The thermal performance is optimized via passive insulation strategies, geothermal buffering, and a layered soil roof that contributes to both insulation and biodiversity.
Landscape and Hydrology Integration
Peripherally, reflective water surfaces serve a dual function: they enhance natural light reflectivity and collect rainwater for filtration and reuse. The sunken gardens and water basins act as climatic buffers, with vegetated zones aiding in evapotranspiration and microclimate regulation. The retractable mirrors reveal embedded sculptures and curated vegetative compositions, fusing landscape design with kinetic architecture.
Programmatic Flexibility and Future Applications
While designed as a private residence, Periscope is conceptualized as a prototype adaptable to various functions, including retreat centers, cultural pavilions, research outposts, or museum spaces. Its embeddedness and energy autonomy position it as a resilient model for extreme climates, remote sites, or ecological preservation zones.
PERISCOPE Video: © Studio Adriaan Claerhout
Periscope - Credits (verified sources):
Architectural Concept & Design: Xaveer Claerhout & Barbara Van Biervliet (Claerhout–Van Biervliet Architects)
Artistic Direction: Adriaan Claerhout (Metamorphic Art Studio)
Additional Production & Filming: Adriaan Claerhout (Studio Adriaan Claerhout)
Glass & Mirror Technology: Ceyssens Group (fabrication & supply)
Telescopic Raising Mechanism: Duesterhus (Germany)
Low-Carbon Structural Steel: ArcelorMittal / Steligence®
Renewable Energy & Storage Systems: Energreen (Belgium)
Scale Model Fabrication: Formando (Belgium)
Curatorial Support: European Cultural Centre – Palazzo Mora, Venice
Two Projects, One Shared Intent
While “USB ” builds upward with purpose and precision, “Periscope” burrows quietly into the ground—yet both propose architectural responses to societal and ecological urgencies.
They challenge us to conceive architecture not just as form, but as ethics, resilience, perception, and planetary care.
If you want to visit this extraordinary exhibition you still have time!
Venice 2025 Architecture Biennial ExhibitionFrom 10 May 2025 until 23 November 2025
Opening hours:
Palazzo Bembo and Palazzo Mora:
10.00 am – 6.00 pm. Closed on Tuesday. Free entry.
Giardini della Marinaressa:
10.00 am – 6.00 pm. Open every day. Free entry.
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Title: Time Space Existence
Venues: Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora & Marinaressa Gardens
Location : Venice, Italy
Promoter: European Cultural Centre
Organisers : Benedetta Bianchi, Elisa Dallanoce, Sara Danieli, Rachele De Stefano, Hadi El Hage, Bérénice Freytag, Ilaria Marcatelli, Lucia Pedrana, Suzanne van der Borg, Elena Volpato
Period 10 May – 23 November 2025
Websites: timespaceexistence.com ↗ ecc-italy.eu ↗
Sources:
Credit Images:
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