The winning proposal by Adam Caruso, Peter St. John, the founding partners of architecture practice Caruso St. John, and artist Marcus Taylor is entitled Island, and will be the theme of the British Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.
The concept engages with current political debates and responds to the theme of Freespace, set by 2018 Venice Biennale curators Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects. The proposal was submitted by means of an open call with reference to Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
"Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises; Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.” The Tempest, William Shakespeare
According to the architects, the exhibition will address the UK's decision to leave the European Union, by creating a space that aims to welcome visitors. Following an open call, a panel of architecture and design specialists from across the UK selected the winning team from a shortlist of four proposals.
"It is an honour for us to have been selected to curate the British Pavilion. In the year before Brexit, we plan to transform the building into a generous public space that can be a popular meeting point within the gardens of the Biennale." Peter St John, Partner at Caruso St John Architects
"The open call generated a strong field of proposals but the panel was unanimous in its selection. The uncertainties that exist in today’s world give the British Pavilion a new imperative and Island promises to be a thought-provoking installation that I am confident will spark debate." Sarah Mann, Director of Architecture Design Fashion, British Council
Adam Caruso and Peter St John won the Stirling Prize in 2016 for their Newport Street Gallery for Damien Hirst. They have worked on several major arts projects including Tate Britain Millbank and Nottingham Contemporary. Marcus Taylor, originally from Northern Ireland, has collaborated on several projects with the practice, including most recently a joint submission for the UK Holocaust Memorial.
The 16th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia will run from 26 May to 25 November 2018 in Venice.