Visualisation of the Australia Pavilion, as completed.
Image: Denton Corker Marshall
Construction of Australia’s new pavilion in the Venice Biennale precinct, the first 21st century building in the historic Giardini della Biennale, is well underway. As these construction shots reveal, the two-level concrete and steel frame structure of the Denton Corker Marshall designed ‘black box’ is now in place, with black granite panels due to be installed at the end of next month.
When completed, the two-level structure will comprise an entrance foyer and exhibition gallery, as well as back-of-house and storage areas. The gallery will be a neutral space with polished concrete floors and five metre high walls.
As architect John Denton has said of the design: “Our idea is simply to create an object which sits confidently and powerfully within the historic Giardini landscape… We have re-orientated the main entrance of the pavilion so it is now facing the Rio del Giardini canal, offering a visible, high profile facade from a number of vantage points.”
Australia is one of only 29 countries to have a permanent pavilion. The $7.5 million project has been funded primarily through donations from private benefactors, in addition to a contribution of $1 million from the Australian Government through the Australia Council.
