Our concept of the renovation of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale has been shortlisted for the open call competition. Submitted before the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded all over the world, the project turned out to be prophetic.
We proposed a method rather than a project. A method that is to deliberately slow down, observe and question everything, including the brief. The first stage of reconstruction is observation: we dismantle the roof, doors and window blocks to make the pavilion more observable. Each architectural element serves as a gateway to broader questions. The absence of the roof prompts us to question architecture’s primary function being a shelter. The absence of windows allows us to meditate on the building’s 3 connectedness with its surroundings. And the absence of the office questions our traditional ways of working together.
All elements of the installation highlight the transitional state of the pavilion. There are large mirrors placed next to the openings that provide new entrances to the pavilion, so that the observers don’t get in the way or become disturbed by the circulation of visitors.
The primary function of the pavilion space is to allow a visitor to slow down, have some rest and get into the questioning mode. The space also allows for collective questioning: for example, a room can host a discussion for up to 15 people to take part in.
Letting the ground floor be flooded with water is an act of total acceptance regarding the present conditions. The high probability of flooding in November prompts the urgent waterproofing of the ground floor — in the pavilion as well as in the city. This measure will also prevent the rainfall from damaging the building.
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