How can architecture and urban planning contribute to the process of sustainable integration?

Six months dedicated to architecture will take place this year in Venice from May 28 to November 27. The fifteenth edition of the International Architecture Biennale carries the motto “REPORTING FROM THE FRONT.” The main curator has been appointed as Alejandro Aravena. This prominent Chilean architect from the firm Elemental is a laureate of the prestigious Pritzker Prize for Architecture. The company Schüco International KG, a manufacturer of systems for windows, doors, and facades, and a proponent of sustainable building envelopes, has once again participated in the Venice Biennale. This year, Schüco supports three presentations; in addition to exhibition contributions from Germany and Turkey, there is the work of the EPEA Institute of Professor Michael Braungart. 

The Venice Biennale creates a great background for presentations and discussions. This year's 15th edition of the architecture exhibition will offer the international audience innovative themes and phenomena in the field of architectural art and urbanism. Similarly to two years ago at the last exhibition, Schüco will again focus primarily on the issue of building culture. Professor Doctor Winfried Heusler, Senior Vice President Global Building Excellence at Schüco, explains: “The Biennale and Schüco fit together perfectly. We meet many internationally recognized architects here and take the opportunity for constructive dialogues.”

Making Heimat. Germany, Arrival Country
The German contribution under the slogan “Making Heimat. Germany, Arrival Country” comes from the German Museum of Architecture (DAM). The presentation could not be more timely – after all, the housing of refugees has been an important topic for Germany for months. Therefore, the organizers are addressing questions such as: What challenges do the cities that refugees arrive in face? How do newcomers become socially integrated citizens? How can architecture and urbanism contribute to the process of sustainable integration?

Darzanà: Two Arsenals, One Vessel
The contribution from Turkey, also supported by Schüco and accompanied by the motto “Darzanà: Two Arsenals, One Vessel,” was created by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV). The central theme of the project is the shared cultural heritage of the two cities - Istanbul and Venice. Each of these Mediterranean port cities has developed quite differently: Venice - a museum city, Istanbul - a metropolis. Nevertheless, a common language can be found that connects them, which is architecture.

A Building Like a Tree – A City Like a Forest
The third contribution from the EPEA Institute, also supported by Schüco, demonstrates the possibility of designing buildings to benefit both humanity and nature. Professor Michael Braungart, founder and CEO of the EPEA Institute (Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency Internationale Umweltforschung GmbH, Hamburg), will present his nature-inspired “Cradle to Cradle” concept, developed in collaboration with American architect and designer William McDonough: “Celebrating our Human Footprint: A Building Like a Tree – A City Like a Forest.” The goal is “healthy” homes and cities. According to this concept, buildings, like trees, and cities, like forests, should clean water and air and produce no waste.