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Australia to Showcase Architectural Models in Venice

The show, "Abundance," is produced by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 8/15/2008 12:00:00 AM

Proving once again that there’s more than just thunder down under, the Australian contingent in this year's Biennale di Venezia Architecture Exhibition will feature 300 interpretative architectural models based on existing projects by 180 Australian architectural firms.

The show, "Abundunce," is produced by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and will run the length of the exhibition, September 14-November 23.

Each of the sculptures aim to address the exhibition’s theme, "Out There: Architecture Beyond Building," which was established by Biennale director Aaron Betsky. The projects they are derived from include a façade based on the filigree pattern of a moth's wing, a "future shack" made from a shipping container, and a mixed-use building based on a snowflake.

The architectural models will fill the lower gallery of the Philip Cox-designed Australian Pavilion in the Giardini section of Venice. Displayed on yellow anodized aluminum stands, the exhibits range from abstract forms to architectural fragments, and are meant to reflect the current state of Australian architecture.

Meanwhile, the upper gallery will survey the past 200 years of Australian design through a kaleidoscope of moving projections that depict 80 of Australia's most significant architectural structures, from colonial constructions to recently completed projects.

From top: Two of the interpretive architectural models that will be on display at the Australian Pavilion during the Biennale di Venezia Architecture Exhibition from September 14 to November 23.

Images courtesy of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects