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Illuminating Architecture: Swarovski Adds a Sparkle to the 14th Architecture Biennale in Venice

An impressive light installation in the shape of a Renaissance-era Venetian façade has been set up in the Arsenale venue in Venice for the 14th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, entitled Fundamentals, which opens its doors on Saturday 7 June, 2014.

The installation, titled Luminaire, is the result of a collaboration between the curator of this year’s Architecture Biennale Rem Koolhaas and the Swarovski Foundation.

Measuring 20 meters in length and consisting of thousands of coloured-glass bulbs and 15kg of Swarovski Crystal Rock, all mounted on an elaborate wooden structure, the installation frames the main entrance to the Monditalia exhibition which offers a timeline of Italy’s history connected to its architecture. The Monditalia exhibition is but one of three interlocking exhibitions comprising this year’s Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia (Elements of Architecture in the Central Pavilion; Absorbing Modernity 1914-2014 in the National Pavilions;) again curated by Koolhaas with the ambition of illuminating the past, present and future of architecture, and will be complemented with performances and other presentations chosen by the directors of the other la Biennale sectors, not just in Art and Architecture (and in particular in Dance, Music, Theatre, and Cinema).

The 14th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will be open from 7 June to 23 November 2014.

'It is an honour to assist Rem Koolhaas in his mission to illuminate the past, present and future of architecture through Fundamentals. Luminaire acts as a transformative portal to the world of Monditalia, Rem’s vivid tableau of Italian history, and offers a fresh perspective, literally bringing new light to bear on a familiar place. The Swarovski Foundation’s support of his ambitious staging of the 14th International Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia deepens our relationship with the city of Venice and will bring the inspiring power of architectural creativity and culture to a wider audience.''

photo © Gilbert McCarragher.

Details

  • Venice, Italy
  • Swarovski Foundation