The South African Pavilion at Biennale Architettura 2023
Representing the South African brand at the “Olympics of architecture”
The brief
Breinstorm Brand Architects (BBA) was appointed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and Ambassador Nosipho Nausca-Jean Jezile as part of a team curating, building and promoting the South African Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
2023 was a pivotal year for the Biennale Architettura as it was the first time the exhibition had focused a spotlight on Africa and its diaspora, conceived by curator Lesley Lokko. It was the second most highly attended Biennale Architettura in its history.
It was also an exceptional year for South Africa. Twelve South African architects were invited by Lesley Lokko to participate in the main programme, and four South African lecturers and nine students took part in the first-ever Biennale College Architettura.
South Africa was one of 64 countries to host a national pavilion. The South African Pavilion was curated by Dr Sechaba Maape, Dr Emmanuel Nkambule and Stephen Steyn. Spies Architects, 2BLN and BBA supported them in the project.
The preview of the South African Pavilion was attended by Ambassador Jezile, Minister Zizi Kodwa and former President Thabo Mbeki.
The transformation
Black Space:
A pre-opening party
In collaboration with DSAC, BBA organised a pre-opening party with DJ Oskido and Tbo Touch inside Ombra del Leone in Venice. The event was a celebration of South African music and creativity – and it was booked to capacity.
A visual identity steeped in indigenous knowledge
Dr Sechaba Maape developed a series of serpentine-like drawings, rooted in indigenous knowledge, which featured as part of the SA Pavilion. BBA developed a visual identity that featured these striking artworks.
Championing team SA
By promoting all South African participants at the Biennale Architettura 2023, we built excitement around South Africa’s contributions and, importantly, the South African Pavilion.
Pre-opening Party
The South African Pavilion
Student Competition
The showcase of cleverness
The South African Pavilion at the Biennale Architettura 2023 was an important moment for the country’s architectural field, as all eyes turned to Africa as the “Laboratory of the Future”.
The validation of purpose
285 000
Visitors attended the Biennale Architettura 2023.
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Fully booked pre-opening celebration.
83 520
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