The Venice Biennale announces the curators of the next edition: a visionary duo that combines memory, materials and experimentation
Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, founders of Amateur Architecture Studio, have been appointed Artistic Directors of the Architecture Sector at the Venice Biennale. They will lead the 20th International Architecture Exhibition, running from May 8 to November 21, 2027, with a special pre-opening on May 6 and 7, hosted at the Giardini and Arsenale.
This choice highlights their capacity to blend cultural responsibility with experimental design, delivering a vision that is both authentic and deeply rooted in local context.
A unique approach to architecture
Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu advocate an architecture that honors the reuse of materials and the historical memory of buildings, blending vernacular traditions with contemporary techniques. Their approach celebrates the vitality of everyday spaces and structures, fostering a dialogue between city and countryside, and between the artificial and the natural.
The studio merges memory with innovation, offering tangible alternatives to urban development driven by demolitions and large-scale interventions
Photo by Laksana Studio
Photo by Wang Dachou
Notable Projects and Global Recognition
The duo’s portfolio includes iconic works such as the Ningbo Historical Museum, Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art, Tiles Hill in Hangzhou, and the Fuyang Cultural Complex.
Their projects have been displayed at MoMA New York and Centre Pompidou in Paris, with solo exhibitions at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and BOZAR in Brussels. Wang Shu’s Pritzker Architecture Prize (2012) highlights the global relevance of their approach.
Photo by Laksana Studio
Photo by Lv Hengzhong
Why Venice Biennale 2027 Matters
Under Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu’s guidance, the 2027 Biennale will offer architects, designers, and visitors a platform to reflect on the role of architecture in society. Expect exhibitions, installations, and programs that explore sustainability, craft, and innovative design strategies for the global context. This edition positions Venice not just as an exhibition, but as a hub for cultural exchange and critical thinking in architecture.
