The Türkiye Pavilion, commissioned by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), will showcase ‘Grounded’ at the upcoming 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in 2025. The exhibition, curated by Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa and running from 10 May to 23 November, will focus on innovative approaches to architecture and ecological thought.
Following an open call and a two-stage evaluation process, the project ‘Grounded’ emerged as the chosen work among 48 submissions. A Selection Committee, including noted figures such as Melike Altınışık, Prof. Dr. Zeynep Çelik, and Dr. Sait Ali Köknar, reviewed the entries, ultimately choosing ‘Grounded’ from a shortlist of three finalists. The project was lauded for its interdisciplinary approach, which combines artistic and architectural perspectives to engage with soil as a carrier of ecological and cultural memory, a living archive, and a model of natural intelligence.
‘Grounded’ offers an innovative exploration of soil as both a support system and a form of knowledge, aiming to inspire new possibilities for the future rooted in Turkish culture. Its selection underscores the project’s contribution to global discourse and critical thought on sustainability and heritage.
The Türkiye Pavilion, first established at the International Architecture Exhibition in 2014, continues to be realized through İKSV’s coordination and contributions from Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year’s participation is co-sponsored by Schüco Türkiye and VitrA, among others. The Pavilion’s permanent location at Sale d’Armi, Arsenale, is a testament to İKSV’s long-standing dedication to Turkish cultural representation on the global stage.
