The National Gallery will select an author for the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale

The National Gallery in Prague has announced an open competition for the design project for the Czechoslovak Exhibition Pavilion at the 16th International Architecture Biennale in Venice 2018. The theme of the biennale will be Freespace, expressing the generosity of spirit and the sense of humanity as a central function of architecture.

The exhibition should present visions and activities in the field of contemporary architecture in an attractive and innovative way in relation to diverse human needs. Architecture not only fundamentally co-defines the character of public space but also shapes the lives of residents in human settlements, connects them with the landscape, supports, or conversely restricts local traditions and values.

"The quality of shared space and intimate space must be based on understanding the functions of architecture on one side and the needs and expectations of residents on the other. From this perspective, the theme Freespace is a great challenge for architects, urban planners, but also for political representation and civil society. The selected design should manifest the specific tradition and starting points of Czech thinking and creation reflecting the changing needs of our society, as well as foreign responses and influences," states Jiří Fajt, the General Director of the National Gallery in Prague.

The former national pavilion in the Giardini di Castello area in Venice was designed by architect Otakar Novotný in 1925. "Its exhibition hall is one of the purest and most valuable in the entire area, even with its intimacy," adds Jiří Fajt. Interested parties can submit proposals until October 31, 2017.

The first edition of the Venice Biennale took place in 1895, and Czechoslovakia has been participating since 1920. The Architecture Biennale, alternating with the original visual arts in even years, was first held in 1980. The biennale will take place next year from May 26 to November 25, 2018.

Detailed information about the public contract for the design project is available on the profile of the National Gallery in Prague within the National Electronic Tool.