Press release
E-PICENTRO: Spazio Thetis in Venice to host an event promoting reflection
23 August 2010 – E-PICENTRO, a project that brings together cultural contributions relating to the difficult issue of reconstructing L'Aquila, will be hosted by Spazio Thetis during the 12th International Architecture Exhibition – Venice Biennale.
From 27 August to 21 November 2010, this venue in the Venice Arsenal will display works and “reflections” that explore the deeper meanings associated with the reconstruction of this earthquake-devastated area, emphasizing the pivotal role that the relationship between architecture, individuals and society plays in disasters. The starting point is the idea that reconstruction cannot be limited to restoring the city’s functionality; rather, it must involve rebuilding the collective and personal identities of the people affected.
The objective of the E-PICENTRO project, curated by Guendalina Salimei and Christiano Lepratti, is to generate renewed interest in the city of L’Aquila – during a period of transition between abandonment of the area and reconstruction – by exhibiting creative strategies proposed by architects, artists, photographers, writers and directors from around the world.
This project, as well as the installations of the Culture_Nature project, will be a collateral event of the 12th International Architecture Exhibition hosted by Spazio Thetis. Like the Culture_Nature project, E-PICENTRO is part of a series of exhibitions designed to stimulate reflection on the relationship between MAN and the ENVIRONMENT – the field in which the engineering company Thetis works.
E-PICENTRO arose from a collaboration between “Sapienza” University of Rome (Department of Architecture and Design) and the German university Technische Universität Darmstadt (Fachbereich Entwerfen und Wohnungsbau), and is divided into three areas. The Idee per l’Aquila (Ideas for L'Aquila) pavilion will feature a display of the first materials produced by the International Council, works that focus on the theme of the transition between abandonment of the area and reconstruction.
This is also the theme of the Cantiere online (Online Construction Site) competition, which is open to professionals and students. The announcement of the competition’s winners will coincide with the closing ceremony of the International Architecture Exhibition – Venice Biennale.
Finally, Aqui_lab will display the creative contributions and scientific research of national and international organizations and institutions, illustrating ideas and projects that are currently in progress in L'Aquila. During the exhibition, there will be workshops in which Italian and foreign universities will participate.
The objective of the E-PICENTRO project, curated by Guendalina Salimei and Christiano Lepratti, is to generate renewed interest in the city of L’Aquila – during a period of transition between abandonment of the area and reconstruction – by exhibiting creative strategies proposed by architects, artists, photographers, writers and directors from around the world.
This project, as well as the installations of the Culture_Nature project, will be a collateral event of the 12th International Architecture Exhibition hosted by Spazio Thetis. Like the Culture_Nature project, E-PICENTRO is part of a series of exhibitions designed to stimulate reflection on the relationship between MAN and the ENVIRONMENT – the field in which the engineering company Thetis works.
E-PICENTRO arose from a collaboration between “Sapienza” University of Rome (Department of Architecture and Design) and the German university Technische Universität Darmstadt (Fachbereich Entwerfen und Wohnungsbau), and is divided into three areas. The Idee per l’Aquila (Ideas for L'Aquila) pavilion will feature a display of the first materials produced by the International Council, works that focus on the theme of the transition between abandonment of the area and reconstruction.
This is also the theme of the Cantiere online (Online Construction Site) competition, which is open to professionals and students. The announcement of the competition’s winners will coincide with the closing ceremony of the International Architecture Exhibition – Venice Biennale.
Finally, Aqui_lab will display the creative contributions and scientific research of national and international organizations and institutions, illustrating ideas and projects that are currently in progress in L'Aquila. During the exhibition, there will be workshops in which Italian and foreign universities will participate.
Event information
Title: Collateral Event of the 12th International Architecture Exhibition The Venice Biennale
E-PICENTRO
Curated by Guendalina Salimei and Christiano Lepratti
Location Spazio Thetis, Arsenale Novissimo, Venice
Can be reached from Piazzale Roma, the train station, San Zaccaria, Lido and the airport. Bacini stop – water bus lines 41, 42, 51, 52.
Dates 27 August – 21 November 2010
Hours Monday - Friday, 10:00-18:00. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Entrance fee Free
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