Primitive Migration from/to Taiwan Collateral Event of the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia
Palazzo delle Prigioni – Venice, Italy
May 22 – November 21, 2021

Hosted by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA), an affiliated institution of Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, Divooe Zein Architects and Double-Grass International Co., are curating the Taiwan Collateral Event for the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia (Biennale Architettura 2021). Titled Primitive Migration from/to Taiwan, the collateral event will take place at the Palazzo delle Prigioni from 22 May to 21 November 2021.

With a focus on the question posed by the biennale’s curator Hashim Sarkis, “How will we live together?”, the biennale illuminates the current global need for architecture, especially projects that can serve as a bridge between environment and people, integrating life, work and ideologies, whilst also lending itself as a site that weaves the divine, life, and travel altogether. Taking on a new relevance after a year-long delay, Taiwan’s contribution Primitive Migration from/to Taiwan is primed to tackle the overarching theme of this biennale.

Primitive Migration from/to Taiwan draws from existing case studies and interdisciplinary collaborations that elicit in-depth discussions around constructing pioneering, environmentally friendly buildings to present an exemplary model for future experimental architecture. The three sub-themes of the Taiwanese presentation – Ask, Work Together, and Influence Each Other – foregrounds the unique relationship between humans and nature. These sub-themes will be unveiled through five architectural projects: Siu siu – Lab of Primitive Sense, Nature Monastery in Bali, Semi-ecosphere glass house for isolation and meditation, Lab of Primitive Sense and The Forest BIG. Additionally, the exhibition will unite audiovisual and olfaction designs by collaborating with Peruvian director Mauricio Freyre to produce conceptual images and Äi Äi Illum Lab to design interactive elements, inviting viewers to experience a unique curatorial concept that stimulates our five senses.

Primitive Migration from/to Taiwan will be staged in the ancient prison of Palazzo delle Prigioni, an emblematic landmark situated in the heart of Venice. The architectural design provides viewers with a tranquil environment that echoes the history of Venice.

While the 17th edition of Biennale Architettura was postponed due to the pandemic, thanks to the teams’ perseverance in moving forward with the national architectural concept despite these challenges, “the world now has a chance to witness Taiwan’s architectural imagination and its sensibility towards the environment” – states Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-Hwi.

more. www.architecture.ntmofa.gov.tw