"CONNECTING INTELLIGENS" EXHIBITION EXPLORES ARCHITECTURAL CONNECTIONS AT VENICE BIENNALE
VENICE, ITALY & GDAŃSK, POLAND — 2025 — "Connecting Intelligens," a parallel event of the 19th International Architecture Biennale, successfully launched its international tour this summer, examining how architectural connections embody different forms of intelligence. Curated by R. Spencer Steenblik, the exhibition features works from international designers exploring innovative connection systems from the molecular to the architectural scale.
The exhibition was inaugurated with an opening receptionon May 10th at the Courtyard of C.S. Gregorio in Venice, and was on display throughout May in Venice. A major highlight of the Venice residency was a featured panel discussion held on May 23rd at the 2025 Architectural Biennale (#IntelliGens) in the Arsenale. The discussion, titled "Embedding Intelligens into the Design of Architectural Connections and Joints," was led by curator R. Spencer Steenblik and featured several of the artist from the exhibition, including: Virginia Melnyk (@virginiamelnykdesigns), Wyly Brown (@wylybrown), Tyler McMartin (@tylrmcmartin), Jonathan H. Nesci (@jonathanh.arch), Alireza Alikaei (@alirezaalikaei), Jonathan Hill
The conversation explored the critical role of connections—both physical and conceptual—in architectural innovation, focusing on how joints and material interfaces can be transformed into sophisticated elements that determine structural behavior and environmental performance.
Following its Venice run, "Connecting Intelligens" traveled to City Meble in northern Poland, where it was on display for the month of June. City Meble, the largest interior design gallery in northern Poland, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the innovative connection systems in the context of interior design.
"Connecting Intelligens" examines the critical role of connections—both physical and conceptual—in architectural innovation. The exhibition explores how joints, nodes, and material interfaces embody different forms of intelligence: the inherent wisdom of natural structures, the precision of computational design, and the collaborative ingenuity of human makers.
Featured works include diverse approaches to connecting elements: tensile systems, digitally-optimized joints that minimize material use, innovative interfaces between dissimilar materials, and molecularly-inspired connection systems. The exhibition celebrates the architectural joint as a site of innovation and expression, revealing how humble connections can be transformed through various forms of intelligence into sophisticated architectural elements that determine structural behavior, aesthetic expression, and environmental performance.
A central feature is the work of the "Carbon Natural Research Team," which translates the tribrachidium (tri-symmetrical) nature of carbon molecular structures into architectural connection systems. This work demonstrates how natural molecular intelligence can inform sustainable structural systems that minimize material use while maximizing formal possibilities, exemplifying how connections—at both molecular and architectural scales—determine the performance, adaptability, and resilience of structures.
The exhibition features contributions from Jonathan Nesci, Virginia Melnyk, Wyly Brown, Dave Gibson, Jonas Hauptman & the BioDesign Research Group, Tyler McMartin, The Carbon Natural Team, and others.
"Connecting Intelligens" is supported by the Indiana University Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowship.
About Ralph Spencer Steenblik: Ralph Spencer Steenblik is an architect, designer, and curator whose works have been realized globally. He teaches within the innovative Comprehensive Design Program, Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design at Indiana University Bloomington. He is Design Director of phi architecture φ.
About City Meble: Located in Gdańsk, City Meble is northern Poland’s premier destination for interior design, connecting world-class design inspiration with a wide range of finishing materials and professional services.
About Indiana University's Comprehensive Design Program: The Comprehensive Design Program at Indiana University Bloomington prepares students to address design challenges across multiple scales, from objects to urban environments.
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"Connecting Intelligens" is supported by the Indiana University Presidential Arts and Humanities Fellowship.
Exhibition Details:
Opening Reception: May 10th, 2025, 15:00-16:00
Regular Hours: 10:00-14:00, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in May
Location: Courtyard @ C.S. Gregorio, 166, 30123 Venezia VE (Near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection)
For more information about the exhibition, please contact us.
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