Exploring Sustainable Sanitation through the Huussi: The Finland Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023

"Huussi" on view at the Finland Pavilion. Photo credit: Ugo Carmeni.

I recently spoke with Arja Renell, a member of the Dry Collective, a group of Finnish architects, artists, and designers behind the exhibition "Huussi" on view at the Finland Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023. We discussed how this exhibition challenges conventional notions of waste management and architectural design, unraveling a narrative that spans history, technology, and environmental consciousness.

From the Canal to the Huussi 

The exhibition premise draws inspiration from the contrast in sanitation practices between Venice and the pavilion’s nation, Finland. Visitors encounter a buried toilet upon entry, symbolically declaring the old methods' demise and the rebirth of traditions. The exhibition's spark originated from an ordinary moment – a queue for women's toilets in Venice. Witnessing plumbing challenges due to the city's outdated sewage system, Renell's immediate thought was to introduce the huussi, a composting toilet, as a viable alternative. With around half a million remote summer cottages scattered across Finland, non-water based sanitation solutions like the huussi remain pivotal to Finnish culture.

From the Individual to the Collective 

Arja assembled the Dry Collective, a group of Finnish architects, artists, and designers, to collaborate on the exhibition. With a shared goal of exploring alternative wastewater management and sustainable sanitation solutions, they combined their vision, expertise, and passion for the project's themes. Their aim extended beyond showcasing a composting toilet; it was to engage visitors in a multi-dimensional conversation about sustainable sanitation. The architectural layout played a pivotal role in conveying this message. A central element was the recreation of a huussi, offering visitors a tangible experience of this alternative waste management approach. However, the pavilion contained more than a physical representation; it held a narrative told through multimedia. Videos tackled issues from the history of sanitation to recycling nutrients from waste. Collectively, these elements aimed to challenge societal perceptions and stimulate discussions on alternative solutions.

From Ignorance to Knowledge

Arja acknowledged that the topic of sanitation treatment is unappealing, especially for a prestigious event like the Biennale. In many ways, particularly in the global north, sanitation practices go unquestioned. Yet she highlighted how architecture can provide an educational platform for the public, transforming their understanding of waste from a problem to a resource. She points to more extensive urban challenges, believing that sustainable sanitation solutions in urban areas need not be overly complex. Pressure-assisted toilets and separated waste systems were mentioned as examples of straightforward yet impactful interventions. Through the huussi, the collective aimed to introduce these concepts to a wider audience, demonstrating that sustainable urban sanitation is achievable and necessary.

Through "Huussi," the collective looked locally to explore solutions to a global issue like sanitation practices. Ultimately, Arja reinforces that embracing these changes starts with understanding and education, where composting and recycling nutrients are the norm. The exhibition challenges visitors to rethink waste approaches, embrace alternatives, and believe that architecture can address accepted practice issues. "Huussi" is on view at the Finland Pavilion at the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2023 until November 26, 2023.

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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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