Building Biospheres

Early May the 19th edition of the Biennale Architettura kicks-off in Venice. The Flanders Architecture Institute is commissioner of Building Biospheres, the Belgian contribution. The exhibition, curated by Bureau Bas Smets and Stefano Mancuso, investigates the impact of plant intelligence on architecture.

How will architecture evolve with an influence of plant intelligence? With their exhibition concept Building Biospheres, landscape architect Bas Smets and climate scientist biologist Stefano Mancuso explore a new relationship between nature and architecture. Building Biospheres proposes to think of buildings as artificial microclimates in which plants play a crucial role in purifying air and cooling space. Using the latest insights into plant intelligence, the project aims to make urban environments more liveable and sustainable. The Belgian pavilion at the 2025 Biennale will serve as a laboratory to explore and demonstrate these ideas.

Opening: May 8, 2025, 5 p.m.