Metavilla: A Lived Architecture at the Venice Biennale

In 2006, we embraced a unique challenge: creating a living, breathing piece of architecture for the Venice Biennale. Metavilla, a project with Patrick Bouchain, wasn't just an exhibit; it was a real, physical space designed for social interaction and shared experience.

Built with simple materials, Metavilla housed our team and welcomed guests, transforming into a vibrant hub for workshops, discussions, and spontaneous encounters. It was about challenging the traditional notion of architecture as a static object, embracing the temporary, and fostering a sense of community within the Biennale itself.

Metavilla underscored our belief that architecture truly comes to life when it is inhabited, lived in, and experienced. It was a testament to our commitment to participatory design, demonstrating how buildings can adapt and evolve to create new forms of human connection. The project showcased how architecture can be more than just a visual display; it can be a dynamic setting for social exchange and shared experience.

Metavilla remains a powerful memory, a testament to our belief in architecture's ability to foster community and create meaningful experiences. It showed how a building, even a temporary one, can become a platform for social interaction and a catalyst for shared memories.