"CONNECTING INTELLIGENS" EXHIBITION EXPLORES ARCHITECTURAL CONNECTIONS AT VENICE BIENNALE
VENICE, ITALY — April 30, 2025 — "Connecting Intelligens," a Collateral Event of the 19th International Architecture Biennale, will open May 10th in Venice, 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 architectural scale.
The exhibition will be inaugurated with an opening reception on May 10th from 15:00 to 16:00 at the Courtyard of C.S. Gregorio, located near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Following the opening, the exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 to 14:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout May 2025.
"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.
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.
Ralph Spencer Steenblik is an architect, designer and curator. His works have been realized globally across many mediums. He teaches at Indiana University Bloomington in their innovative Comprehensive Design Program. He is the Design Director of phi architecture φ.
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. Housed within the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, the program emphasizes a global perspective while maintaining strong connections to local communities. Students engage with cutting-edge technologies and traditional craftsmanship, developing solutions that bridge cultural and geographical boundaries. The program's innovative curriculum incorporates interactive design, sustainable practices, and community engagement, preparing graduates to become thoughtful and versatile designers capable of addressing complex contemporary challenges.
About Tongji University's College of Architecture and Urban Planning The College of Architecture and Urban Planning at Tongji University stands as one of China's premier institutions for architectural education and research. With a century-long history, the college has established itself as a leader in addressing contemporary urban and rural development challenges. The program emphasizes sustainable design practices, cultural preservation, and innovative planning strategies. Through its international collaborations and research initiatives, the college plays a crucial role in shaping China's approach to urban and rural development. The institution's commitment to combining theoretical research with practical application makes it an ideal partner for exploring solutions to rural revitalization challenges.
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