Light, sea and memory: Vibia enhances the architecture of the Venice Biennale by illuminating the Tese delle Vergini

The 19th Mostra Internazionale di Architettura, curated by Carlo Ratti and organised by La Biennale di Venezia, unfolds under the title “Intelligens. Naturale. Artificiale. Collettiva.” Framed within a broader conversation on sustainability and climate action, the Italian exhibition—featuring contributions from up to 750 participants—explores the future of architecture through the lens of natural, artificial and collective intelligence, building bridges across generations and disciplines.

Among the 66 national pavilions, our luminaires feature in the Italian Pavilion, entitled “Terrae Aquae. Italy and the Intelligence of the Sea.” Curated by architect and academic Guendalina Salimei, the exhibition offers architectural, scientific and cultural reflections through drawings, videos, artistic interventions and interactive experiences that speak of Italy’s past, present and future—viewed from the sea.

The location of the Italian Pavilion played a central role in defining the conceptual approach to our lighting project. Housed within the Arsenale, once the largest production centre of the pre-industrial world and a symbol of Venice’s political, economic and military power, the exhibition unfolds in a site steeped in history.

Within this emblematic, centuries-old setting lies the space we illuminate: the Tese delle Vergini, a 16th-century hall. The industrial nature of the venue informed our spatial intervention, which gave prominence to the original architectural elements—walls, ceilings, and supporting structures.

Our aim was to reinforce the dialogue between the building’s historic identity and the lighting, treating the luminaires as part of the architectural fabric.

They delineate the visitor’s path while subtly highlighting and framing the works on display, contributing to a sensory and cohesive exhibition experience—faithful to our new lighting philosophy: Shaping Atmospheres.

The selected luminaires are intended to deepen the chiaroscuro experience, guiding movement while revealing the textures of the space.

The vastness of the venue underscores the role of light as a key element, intensifying the contrast between light and shadow and drawing the gaze to the luminaires—imbued with a nostalgic glow that permeates the atmosphere.

Upon entering the pavilion, visitors are welcomed by two suspended Array luminaires. Designed by Umut Yamac, they create an immediate visual impact with a soft downward glow that appears to emanate from delicate threads, generating a dynamic optical illusion.

The second part of the hall is illuminated by Circus Solo spotlights by Antoni Arola.

Positioned at a considerable height, they offer focused, indirect lighting that draws attention to the photographic works on display, while leaving the surrounding space in semi-darkness—infusing it with theatricality and intensity.

Visitors then ascend to an upper level within the central metal structure, where North Floor luminaires—floor-standing versions designed by Arik Levy—trace a path between the display tables.

Their elegant and directional beam lends rhythm to the experience, integrating effortlessly into the space as a subtle architectural presence.

The final area of the exhibition is punctuated by Flamingo lamps, also by Antoni Arola.

Their warm, theatrical glow echoes the initial impact, suspended in a way that suggests they hover above the visitor.

Radiating an almost poetic light, their ethereal silhouettes become sculptural presences within the exhibition—elevated by supporting spotlights into luminous artworks in their own right.

Credits:
– Photography: Fernando Alda

Featured Products:
– Array
– Circus Solo
– North
– Flamingo