Neighbours: A Manifesto, a Play for Two Pavilions, and Ten Conversations

The Swiss Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale explores the shared boundary between Switzerland and Venezuela, revealing unanticipated connections between the two neighbors through an installation, a manifesto, and conversations with architects and historians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 19 June 2023
Publisher: Park Books

The Swiss Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, held in 1952, presents itself and its connections to its immediate surroundings. This exhibition serves as a captivating dialogue exploring the shared boundary between the pavilions of Switzerland and Venezuela, the only two in the Giardini not fully detached. These two pavilions share a common wall, creating an intriguing interplay between them. To unveil the unexpected connections between these two neighboring countries, artist Karin Sander and art historian Philip Ursprung temporarily open this wall and dismantle the gates of the Swiss Pavilion. This action reveals a fascinating interplay of distant and close relationships.

In addition to the physical exploration, the accompanying book offers a manifesto that playfully engages with the two buildings as dramatis personae. It also includes three brief topical essays that provide further insights into the themes explored in the exhibition. To complement the visual experience, ten engaging conversations have been conducted with architectural historian Kurt W. Forster, photographers Paolo Gasparini and Guido Giudi, as well as Venezuelan architects Elisa Silva and Margarita López-Maya. These conversations delve into the historical, cultural, and architectural aspects of the Swiss Pavilion and its neighboring pavilion, shedding light on the rich tapestry of connections between these two nations.

Overall, the Swiss Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale presents a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between countries and the potential for unexpected connections to arise. Through the physical dismantling of the pavilion's walls and the engagement with a diverse range of experts, the exhibition offers a multi-dimensional perspective on the role of architecture in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 200 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783038603337