Climate Change in Cities: An Immersive Experience at the Venice Biennale
The 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice (La Biennale di Venezia) is gearing up for an unprecedented exploration of the visceral impacts of climate change on urban environments. Visitors to the German Pavilion will embark on a physical and psychological ‘stress test’ that will vividly demonstrate the realities of future city climates.
Experiencing Climate Change with All Senses
The curatorial team, comprising architect Nicola Borgmann, professor of building technology Elisabeth Endres, landscape architect Gabriele Kiefer, and architect Daniele Santucci, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate-adaptive urban planning. The exhibition will immerse visitors in the sensory experience of climate change, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and individuals facing social and economic disparities.
Thermal Stress and Relief
The exhibition will be divided into two sections: "Stress" and "Destress." Visitors will navigate spaces designed to simulate the oppressive heat and discomfort of future urban environments, complete with elevated temperatures and limited natural cooling. In contrast, the "Destress" section will showcase innovative solutions for mitigating thermal stress and improving urban resilience.
Heat-Related Health Risks
Cardiologist Burkert Pieske from the University of Rostock emphasized the severe health consequences of urban heat, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease. He stressed the importance of public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the escalating risks associated with climate change.
Climate-Adaptive Urban Design
The exhibition will demonstrate how buildings and urban infrastructure can be designed to adapt to the challenges of climate change. Strategies for reducing urban temperatures, such as green roofs, urban greening, and passive cooling techniques, will be showcased. The curators hope to inspire architects, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt climate-adaptive measures with greater urgency and innovation.
Opening and Dates
The 19th Venice Architecture Biennale will take place from May 10th to November 23rd, 2025. The German Pavilion will be inaugurated on May 9th. This unique exhibition promises to be a transformative experience that will challenge our understanding of urban environments and inspire tangible actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change in cities worldwide.
Addressing a Critical Need
The inclusion of climate change as a central theme at the Venice Architecture Biennale reflects the growing recognition of its profound implications for the built environment and human health. By providing an immersive and thought-provoking platform for discussion, the exhibition aims to galvanize action and empower architects, urban planners, and the public to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for our cities.
