Latvian Pavilion TCL
Venice, Italy
completed, 2023
Latvian Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia “The Laboratory of the Future” curated by Lesley Lokko - on display May 20 - November 26, 2023.
open competition, 2022: winning proposal
client: Ministry of Culture, Republic of Latvia
commissioner: Jānis Dripe
design team: Ernests Cerbulis, Ints Menģelis, Karola Rubene, Toms Kampars
curator: Uldis Jaunzems-Pētersons
project manager: Austra Bērziņa
communications: Kalvis Kidals
sound: Andris Strazds
production & assistance: Mārcis Benužs, Solvita Bernande, Reinis Lansmanis, Markuss Brieze, Daniels Lāms, Jūlija Lazdiņa, Katrīna Mediniece, Kristaps Deičs, Krists Ernstsons, Caterina Coroneo, Linards Romka
supporters: DEI ARH, Magnum INT, Rimi Latvia
photos: Andrea Ferro, Kristaps Deičs, Andrea Avezzù
The Latvian pavilion has been transformed into a supermarket of architectural ideas – TCL. The products on the shelves represent all the Venice Biennale participations from the past two decades – 506 unique ideas in total - while the visitors, or rather, customers, can choose their favorites, throw them in a cart and get a receipt at the counter.
The theme of this year's Biennale, "Laboratory of the Future," offers a chance to contemplate past endeavors and propel us into the future. By fostering interaction between visitors and products the pavilion will not remain a static installation throughout the event. Instead, it will serve as a platform to survey and identify the ideas that hold relevance in the present, redirecting attention toward them.
Utilizing artificial intelligence, every distinct product is crafted to mirror pavilions from the previous ten editions of the biennale, while incorporating their titles as labels, reminiscent of everyday household items and supermarket packaging. Above all, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of enjoyment, familiarity, and comfort.
