The Swiss Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition

La Biennale di Venezia: A Vision of Inclusivity and Resonance

Exploring the Final Form: A Celebration of Women in Architecture
The Swiss Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition—La Biennale di Venezia, commissioned by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, presents an evocative exhibition titled “Endgültige Form wird von der Architektin am Bau bestimmt.” This innovative showcase, curated by Elena Chiavi, Kathrin Füglister, Amy Perkins, Axelle Stiefel, and Myriam Uzor, pays tribute to Lisbeth Sachs, one of Switzerland’s pioneering female architects, and reimagines her contributions to architectural history through a compelling lens.

The title, which translates to “The final form is determined by the architect on site,” is drawn from a note Sachs made on her design for the ephemeral Kunsthalle at the 1958 SAFFA Exhibition, highlighting her philosophy of connecting architecture with its immediate surroundings. This notion is brought to life in Venice through a multidisciplinary exploration that intertwines sound, memory, and spatial design.

A Reimagined Legacy: Sachs and Giacometti in Conversation

The exhibition poses a provocative question: “What if Lisbeth Sachs, rather than Bruno Giacometti, had designed the Swiss Pavilion?” Sachs, a contemporary of Giacometti, was among the first Swiss women to graduate as an architect, yet her contributions remain largely overshadowed by her male counterparts. By juxtaposing elements of Sachs’ designs with Giacometti’s pavilion in the Giardini della Biennale, the curators prompt a reevaluation of architectural inclusivity and historical narratives.

Central to this reimagining is the revival of Sachs’ radial Kunsthalle, integrating immersive soundscapes to create a resonant architecture that bridges past and present. This approach transforms the pavilion into a sensory and participatory experience, enabling visitors to engage with both the physical and temporal dimensions of architecture.

The Role of Sound in Architecture

Sound serves as a vital medium in this exhibition, with field recordings of conversations, landscapes, and construction sites bringing the space to life. This multisensory installation, designed by Axelle Stiefel and sound artist Octave Magescas, invites visitors to explore architecture beyond its visual and physical forms. The auditory elements encourage deeper connections to the pavilion and its stories, transforming visitors into active participants.

“Through sound, memories, and narratives, the Swiss Pavilion becomes a vessel of collective memory,” explain the curators. This approach underscores architecture’s role as a living, evolving entity shaped by diverse voices and experiences.

A Collaborative and Inclusive Vision for Architecture

The exhibition aligns with the broader theme of the 19th Biennale, “Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.” Under the direction of Carlo Ratti, this edition emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity in architecture, echoing the curators’ commitment to fostering an architecture of care and responsibility.

By reconstructing and reinterpreting Sachs’ designs, the exhibition not only challenges traditional architectural paradigms but also highlights the ongoing need to address gender inequalities within the field. The curatorial team, which includes experts in architecture, design, and sound, exemplifies this inclusive ethos, blending disciplines to craft a holistic narrative.

Key Dates and Events

• Exhibition Dates: May 10 – November 23, 2025
• Opening Ceremony: May 8, 2025, 2:30 PM
• Media Preview: May 9, 2025, 11:30 AM
• Location: Swiss Pavilion, Giardini della Biennale di Venezia

Supporting Team and Partnerships

The success of “Endgültige Form wird von der Architektin am Bau bestimmt.” is made possible by a dedicated team and a network of partners. The exhibition benefits from collaborations with institutions such as gta Archiv, e-flux Architecture, and Pro Helvetia, alongside contributions from private donors and sponsors including Ikea Stiftung Schweiz and Stiftung für Erforschung der Frauenarbeit.

Why This Matters

This exhibition serves as a vital reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of women in architecture.

By bringing Lisbeth Sachs’ vision to the forefront, the curators not only honor her legacy but also inspire a new generation to rethink the narratives that shape our built environment. Through sound, space, and memory, the Swiss Pavilion becomes a platform for dialogue and transformation, underscoring architecture’s profound capacity to resonate across time and place.

For more information, visit the official website of the Swiss Pavilion at www.prohelvetia.ch