Exhibitor: pihlmann architects

Curated by Søren Pihlmann

Commissioned by Danish Architecture Centre

 

Local consultant and installation coordinator

 

How can we build upon the world without building anew?

Denmark’s contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia answers this question with a sensory and thought-provoking response. The curator of the pavilion, architect Søren Pihlmann of renowned practice pihlmann architects, presents an exhibition that transforms the pavilion into a hybrid exhibition space and renovation site.

Build of Site takes on a novel approach, renewing the pavilion building while at the same time showcasing innovative methods to reuse surplus materials uncovered during the construction process. Rather than utilising new resources to build a temporary installation, the exhibition itself is a permanent improvement to the pavilion.

 

The Danish Pavilion requires renovation due to recurring flooding, dated functionality, and indoor climate issues, calling for upgrades to elements such as floors, doors, and windows. Therefore, the pavilion is simultaneously being upgraded while exploring unconventional ways to repurpose surplus construction materials.

Renovation of the building began in December 2024, as part of the exhibition concept, and will be completed following the Biennale Architettura 2025. During the exhibition period, the pavilion takes on the form of a hybrid space, blurring the boundaries between exhibition and renovation.

 

“Now should be the time to discuss all the architectural possibilities provided by the ground, the stones, the concrete, or by whatever you find in the place where you’ve been granted the privilege to build upon the world”

– Søren Pihlmann, curator.

 

 

Stepping into Build of Site, visitors will be transported to a construction site temporarily suspended in time. From May to November 2025, the pavilion site will be accessible to the public showcasing archetypal exhibition elements such as podiums, ramps, benches, and tables, all of which have been constructed from surplus materials unearthed during the renovation process. The materials used throughout including compositions of wood, limestone, concrete floor, stone, sand, silt, and clay, have been closely studied since autumn 2023 in collaboration with researchers and students from the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Copenhagen, the Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation, and ETH Zurich.

 

Find out more about Denmark’s contribution at www.dac.dk

 

Photo Credits: Build of Site. Danish Pavilion. Curator Søren Pihlmann, pihlmann architects. La Biennale Architettura 2025. Ph Hampus Berndtson