Venice Architecture Biennale 2012 is centered around the theme of “Common Ground.” Zaha Hadid’s installation is being exhibited at Room 1.9, Corderie dell’ Arsenale and reveals a connection to historical strand of research. The design of the installation seems to appreciate the work of pioneers such as Frei Otto, who is known for material-structural form-finding processes.
The practice has imbibed certain qualities of Otto in its design by incorporating his richness, organic coherence and fluidity of the forms and spaces. The design has expanded on Otto’ work to include environmental as well as structural logics.
The installation aims at exploring the domain of light-weight shells in combination with tensile structures. At the exhibition, the company will also integrate complex shells and tensile structures to create new style for the first time.
The installation has an Arum shell that has been made from pleated metal. It will showcase the works of Frei Otto, Felix Candela and Heinz Isler among others. It will also include work by Philippe Block, a young, contemporary researcher of stone compression shells.
