In response to the Venice Architecture Biennale's theme How will we live together", architect Afaina de Jong and artist Debra Solomon have answered with another question in the Dutch Pavilion: Who is we"
The Netherlands' contribution to the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale is coordinated by the Het Nieuwe Instituut.
Its team argues that the "we" in urbanist discourse often excludes not only marginalised peoples but also important non-human entities such as plants and animals.
The Dutch Pavilion features work by Afaina de Jong and Debra Solomon
"As social and ecological urgencies demand immediate care and action, Who is We" is an empathic plea against homogeneity and monoculture," said Het Nieuwe Instituut head of agency Francien van Westrenen, who curated the exhibition. "Differences and plurality create the relationships and interactions essential to build resilient societies and cities."
It challenges the Biennale theme with the question Who Is We"
In an exhibition space featuring graphic design by Richard Niessen, de Jong explores how architecture can be more inclusive of diverse identities, while Solomon calls for the inclusion of whole ecosystems.
"I think we often ? knowingly and unknowingly ? design with a very small group in mind, maybe only 10 per cent of people," said de Jong.
De Jong's work includes streamed video performances
"If we want to talk about how we will live together, we first have to ge...