bjarke ingels details his approach to design ahead of 2020 venice architecture biennale

‘if you look, listen, and learn, there is so much to play with’ says bjarke ingels in a new video released ahead of the 2020 venice architecture biennale. since setting up his own firm (BIG) in 2005, ingels, who famously wanted to become a comic book artist before turning to architecture, has developed his own brand of ‘hedonistic sustainability’ — an approach that focuses on sustainability that improves both quality of life and human enjoyment.

LEGO house | image © iwan baan | video © PLANE–SITE

in a new video, produced by PLANE–SITE with the support of the european cultural centre, bjarke ingels expands on this approach, which incorporates humor, surprise, and sustainability. ‘what if sustainability is not a compromise?’, he asks in the video. ‘what if it’s not a sacrifice? what if it’s actually simply the more desirable life choice?’. this way of thinking has led to bold, original designs such as the copenhill power plant, topped with an artificial ski slope, and the instantly recognizable LEGO house.

see designboom’s coverage of the project here | image © iwan baan

the video has been released in the run-up to the 2020 edition of the ‘time space existence’ exhibition, a recurring show at the venice architecture biennale that features a wide range of projects from international architects, photographers, sculptors, and academics. the video series has already featured prominent architects such as BV doshi and ricardo bofill. the series will be exhibited as part of the biennale, which opens on may 21, 2020. see designboom’s ongoing coverage of the event here.

copenhill energy plant | image © dragoer luftfoto

see designboom’s coverage of the project here | image © rasmus hjortshoj

isenberg school of management business innovation hub | image © max touhey

see designboom’s coverage of the project here | image © laurian ghinitoiu

bjarke ingels | image © PLANE–SITE

project info:

video by: PLANE–SITE
supported by: european cultural centre
exhibition: time space existence
venue: venice architecture biennale 2020
dates: may 23 – november 29, 2020