Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu to Curate 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale

Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu to Curate 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale

Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu will curate the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale, focusing on sustainable design and cultural memory. Their innovative approach promis...

Content source: Designboom
Published on: 27 November 2025

In-depth analysis

Exhibitions and events

The 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia will run from May 8 to November 21, 2027, showcasing innovative architectural practices. Curators Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu aim to highlight the significance of local materials and sustainable methods, promising an engaging exploration of contemporary architectural narratives.

Artist highlights

Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, founders of the Amateur Architecture Studio, bring nearly thirty years of experience to their curatorial role. Their commitment to locality and sustainability has fundamentally shaped their influential architectural philosophy.

Audience reception

The architectural community is poised to respond enthusiastically to Wang and Lu's curatorial vision, which emphasizes authenticity and simplicity. Their previous Biennale contributions have garnered attention, suggesting that this upcoming exhibition will provoke meaningful discussions among attendees.

Future trends

As the Biennale approaches, a shift towards valuing local context and craftsmanship is anticipated. Wang and Lu's focus on sustainable practices may inspire architects to rethink their approaches, potentially reshaping future architectural discourse.

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Why you should see this

The 20th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, promises to redefine our relationship with architecture. Their focus on sustainability and local materials not only questions the status quo but also encourages communities to embrace their heritage. Attendees will gain insights that can inspire local building practices, fostering environments that honor both culture and ecology.

Secrets of art

Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu's installation 'Decay of a Dome' at the 2010 Biennale was a powerful commentary on the life cycle of buildings. The piece utilized materials from demolished structures, showcasing how architecture can embody stories of both loss and renewal, a testament to their philosophy of reusing and reinterpreting rather than discarding.

The artist's hand

Marcus, 34, from Chicago, grew up in a neighborhood where historic buildings faced demolition for new developments. His childhood home, a century-old brick house, was nearly lost to a commercial project. When he learned about Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu’s approach to architecture, he felt a deep connection. Their advocacy for preserving cultural memory resonated with his desire to see architecture that honors the past while embracing the future. Inspired by their work, Marcus is now involved in local preservation efforts, determined to ensure his community’s stories remain visible in the urban landscape.

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