Industry Muscle: Five Scores for Architecture

Architecture is designed for the human body, and our understanding of the body shapes architecture. During the modernis era, tools such as Le Corbusier’s Modulor Man diagram were developed based on standardized conceptions of the human body. These tools defined the ideal user, which facilitated design, but overlooked the diversity of bodies and experiences. At the same time, the worldview was based on continuous growth and the notion of limitless natural resources. 

How should we approach modernist ideals and the built environment around us in the era of ecological crisis? The five exercises presented in Teo Ala-Ruona’s exhibition spark a rethinking of architecture. A key example is the Nordic Countries Pavilion, designed by Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn and completed in 1962. This subtle concrete pavilion is considered a masterpiece of modernism. 

Could an alternative approach to architecture – one that opens new pathways for the future – lie in expanding our understanding of the body? As the Biennale’s chief curator, architect, and engineer Carlo Ratti has stated: “When established systems begin to fail, new ways of thinking are needed.” 

The exhibition is commissioned by the Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki and curated by architect Kaisa Karvinen. 

Read more about the artist selection here

Nordic Collaboration at the Nordic Pavilion

The Nordic Pavilion is co-owned by Finland, Norway, and Sweden, with the responsibility for exhibitions rotating among the countries. The upcoming exhibition is produced by the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki in collaboration with Sweden’s ArkDes and Norway’s National Museum. Carina Jaatinen serves as commissioner of the exhibition in cooperation with Karin Nilsson (ArkDes) and Yngvill Aagaard Sjöösten (the National museum of Norway). The curatorial team from the Architecture and Design Museum Helsinki includes curator Kaisa Karvinen and curatorial advisor Suvi Saloniemi. 

19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia

The International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia is the world’s most renowned platform for presenting architecture on an international stage. The 19th International Architecture Biennale is curated by Italian architect, urban planner, engineer, and researcher Carlo Ratti. According to Ratti, the Biennale’s main theme, Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective., explores intelligence in its diverse, inclusive, and imaginative forms.

Finland’s Super Year in Venice

In 2025, Finnish expertise will be prominently showcased in Venice. In addition to the Nordic Pavilion, Finland has its own national pavilion in the Giardini Park, with exhibitions curated by the Architecture Information Centre, Archinfo. This year, the Finnish Pavilion presents The Pavilion – Architecture of Stewardship, an exhibition curated by architects Ella Kaira and Matti Jänkälä, exploring the collaborative nature of architecture through the Aaltos’ pavilion. Additionally, the Biennale’s main exhibition highlights three Finnish working groups.

Read more about Finland’s super year in Venice on Archinfo’s website here