The Role of Architecture in Community: Insights from the U.S. Pavilion at Venice Biennale
As the United States grapples with deep societal divisions, the upcoming exhibition at the International Architecture Biennale in Venice, opening to the public on May 10, aims to explore the healing potential of architecture and design. The U.S. Pavilion’s theme, “Porch: An Architecture of Generosity,” seeks to highlight the porch as a vital symbol of connection and community.
The Significance of the Porch
The American porch, traditionally a transitional space between the home and the public domain, serves as a platform for conversation and community engagement. Susan Chin, founder of the arts consultancy DesignConnects and one of the Pavilion’s commissioners, emphasizes that the exhibition is designed to help people appreciate the value of shared experiences.
Peter B. MacKeith, Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, reinforces this idea, calling the exhibition “a platform for civic engagement and community building.”
Diverse Interpretations of the Porch
The exhibition will showcase 54 distinct designs that reinterpret the concept of the porch beyond its conventional definition. These will be displayed in innovative “porch windows,” designed to draw visitors into an interactive experience. The creators expand the idea of a porch to include various forms such as:
- A stoop in Brooklyn
- A lanai in Hawaii
- Public plazas
- Coffee shops
- Libraries
Featured Projects
Among the noteworthy projects is a redesign of the Oakland Museum of California by Mark Cavagnero Associates and Hood Design Studio, which transforms the museum into a more welcoming space by creating large openings that invite community interaction.
Another significant contribution comes from Friends of Residential Treasures: LA (FORT:LA), which explores community-building elements within affordable multifamily residences, showcasing environments designed to foster gathering through features like open staircases and courtyards.
Additionally, the Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center at Tougaloo College highlights historically significant architecture that promotes dialogue and community engagement through its design.
Innovation at the U.S. Pavilion
The Pavilion, an architectural landmark initially designed in 1930 by Delano & Aldrich, will include its own porch created by a collaborative design team including Marlon Blackwell Architects and D.I.R.T. Studio. This extension will serve as a welcoming area in the courtyard, featuring a terrain-inspired platform with seating arrangements and space for community gatherings.
Support and Development
The U.S. Pavilion’s participation in Biennale has been significantly supported by the State Department, which has committed funding to ensure an impactful presentation. Recent favorable changes in federal funding under the Biden administration are a strong signal of support for the arts and architecture in the U.S.
Beyond its Venice display, the exhibition roots itself in Northwest Arkansas, an emerging hub of design innovation, supported by local institutions and the Walton Family Foundation’s initiatives to enhance architectural excellence in the region.
Conclusion: A Call for Community Engagement
The chief curator of the Biennale, Carlo Ratti, aligns the goals of the Pavilion with the broader mission of the event: fostering conversations about the challenges faced within the built environment. As communities increasingly navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, the physical space of the porch symbolizes an antidote to isolation, inviting diverse voices to come together.
According to Cavagnero, “The more we can make ourselves and our buildings more open and expansive and can bring the community into our civic life, the better.” The exhibition would ideally culminate in spontaneous gatherings and community trust-building, highlighting the urgent need for connection in today’s society.
