VENICE BIENNALE

AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES URBAN VISIONS FOR THIS

YEAR'S VENICE BIENNALE

...the final submissions for the ‘Now + When Australian Urbanism’ exhibition

for the Australian Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. The ‘Now’ element will present six of Australia’s most interesting urban and anti-urban aerial views as they are now, while the ‘When’ element (attached) shows 17 architecture practices’ futuristic urban visions of Australia in 40+ years time.

Given that Australia is one of the most urbanised continents on earth, with 93% of people living in cities, these architectural ideas comment profoundly on urban density and sprawl and will act as a catalyst for debate at the Biennale.

Both ‘Now’ and ‘When’ sections of the exhibition will be shown on a completely new form of 3D stereoscopic technology, beyond that of recent blockbuster movie releases.

The Fear Free City – Justina Karakiewicz, Tom Kvan and Steve Hatzellis

A future city, free from the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour, where many open spaces and all local amenities are within walking distance. Free from commuting, people will enjoy more recreational time. Movement is not limited to ground level, but happens at all levels allowing for extensive views of the city and surrounding country side.

Ocean City – Arup Biomimetics

A new underwater city, Syph, spawned from a rise in interest in biomimetic practices and materials in the advent of climate change. The migration of the Australian population from land to sea because of the sky-rocketing value of disappearing land, provided an opportunity to develop a new cityscape. A collection of specialised organisms function as a whole, with some pods being energy producers, some industrial, and others for sustainable farming and food production.

Island Proposition 2100 (IP2100) – Scott Lloyd, Aaron Roberts (room11) and Katrina Stoll

The Island Proposition 2100 embodies hyper-connectivity, the IP2100 spine contains a system of hybrid infrastructures, which will link future urban centres and their territories. The spine will transport people and goods using magnetic levitation (maglev) technology, carry energy, water and agriculture goods, convert ‘waste’ to resources, and provide living, industrial, and commercial spaces along the network. The linear axis will minimise sprawl and concentrate growth along its route, significantly reducing the time and pollution of current travel.