Métavilla - French Pavilion at the 10th Biennale in Venice

The idea of having artists present throughout the event in the gallery is not a new one. Several other countries have similarly maintained this practice during the biennale. In the Czech Republic, such an event is no longer surprising to anyone. However, what was showcased in the French pavilion by curator Francis Lacloche along with the association EXYZT was captivating. A team of twenty architects and their ten collaborators constructed a scaffold structure on-site, which served as sleeping quarters, a bar, a kitchen with the best offerings, and plenty of other spaces for work and rest. The scaffolding continued onto the roof of the pavilion, where there were sunbathing areas, viewing platforms with hammocks, and even a sauna with a small swimming pool.
The liveliness and spontaneity of the inhabitants charged the atmosphere with positive energy. Before the entrance, there was a local radio studio and a makeshift workshop; in the small kitchen, everyone got in each other's way while cooking, and a long dining table accommodated a large amount of food and people, while in the "boat cabins" on the upper floors, the participants of Métaville were resting or diligently editing video for the local television.
Among the national exhibitions, France and Denmark received the highest number of stars from SuperBlog. The Danish pavilion eventually also received the Golden Lion from the organizers. However, France won the hearts of many visitors this year with its project and received the highest rating from archiweb.