Explorations on Virtual Civic Space: The Albania Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023
- Anthony Youssef
- Aug 7, 2023
- 3 min read
I recently spoke with Martin Gjoleka and Era Merkuri the co-curators of the Albanian pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. Era and Martin and the founders of heramarte architectural practice, what they describe as a practice for theory and less. Their exhibition titled "Untimely Meditations" explores virtual civic space by repurposing the rendering engine as a mechanism for exploration. The Pavilion itself was designed to evoke a virtual, physical copy, creating a mesmerizing and meditative atmosphere. Removable white plastic chairs covered the floor, reminiscent of a 3D module. Visitors encountered multiple layers of experiences, both physical and virtual, as they moved through the space. The sound installations also played a vital role, influencing how individuals perceived and engaged with the exhibition.
Civic Spaces / Virtual Spaces
Martin and Era highlighted the significance of two civic spaces in Tirana, an empty stadium and an artificial lake, both derelict. The curators were interested in how these spaces endured change and how humans cope with rapid technological and ecological transformations. Their interest in renewal, both spiritual and holistic, guided their approach to exploring the impact of small changes on a larger scale. Embracing the potential of digital tools and storytelling, Martin and Era experimented with a new contact system between humans, technology, and the environment. The challenging times of the pandemic also amplified their interest in digital and virtual experiences, prompting them to explore the relationships between physical and virtual spaces further.
...both of these places have transformed continuously and in a way they have become their own and therefore it was very fascinating for us to see how these spaces have endured so much have transformed... - Era Merkuri
Local Influences / International Influences
The Albanian capital of Tirana has been going through significant change with large projects by international architects including MVRD’s Skanderbeg Building, Stefano Boeri’s Vertical Forest and BIG’s proposed new national theater. This is in large part due to increased investment, a rapidly growing population which resulted in Tirana 2030 plan. The curators acknowledged how the context influenced their thinking. However, their primary focus was to provoke thought rather than showcasing specific architectural projects. The Albanian Pavilion featured a blend of virtual and physical spaces, highlighting the exhibition as a "display of an argument." This mix allowed them to contextualize the virtual spaces in a physical environment, enhancing the visitor's experience.
Digital Tools / Liberating Tools
The impact of digital technology on civic spaces was an important aspect of the discussion. While the rise of virtual spaces has led to changes in physical civic spaces, it also offers liberation and new opportunities. For Era and Martin, digital technology is a democratic tool that enables broader accessibility. In response to the question of whether virtual spaces will ever replace physical spaces, Martin and Era expressed a belief in the coexistence of both realms. They stressed the importance of mastering technology rather than letting it master us. Acknowledging the beauty and diversity of both virtual and physical spaces, they envisioned a future where the interplay between the two enriches human experiences and fosters new consciousness. But they emphasized that as long as we have human bodies, physical spaces will remain essential for collective action and public life.
...as long as we have human bodies, I don't think there's an escape from the physical." - Martin Gjoleka
"Untimely Meditations" offers visitors a profound and captivating experience exploring the convergence of virtual and physical spaces. Martin and Era's curatorial journey through observations, experiments, and interdisciplinary collaboration provided unique insights into the future of civic spaces and the role of digital technology in shaping our world. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of architecture and urbanism, their exhibition serves as a compelling reminder that embracing the potential of both virtual and physical spaces can lead to a more connected and transformative future. "Untimely Meditations" is on view at the Albania Pavilion as part of the Biennale of Architecture in Venice until November 26, 2023.
This article is based on an episode of 'Talking Architecture,' a podcast on architecture, buildings, and the stories they tell. You can listen to the full episode in the player below.
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