denton corker marshall: new australian pavilion for the venice biennale

‘new australian pavilion’ by denton corker marshall, venice, italy all images © denton corker marshall

melbourne-based practice denton corker marshall have proposed the winning design for the ‘new australian pavilion’, a replacement structure expected to be constructed for the 2015 venice biennale in italy. australian architect philip cox is responsible for the current structure, built in 1988 as a temporary solution. with a 320 square meter footprint and two levels of exhibition spaces, the volume will become the main destination for the country’s visual arts and architecture during the yearly events. positioned within the wooded gardens of the ‘giardini della biennale’, a simple black box will  conceal a white box which does not compete or overwhelm with the range of objects to be presented inside.

producing the matte charcoal finish are panels of south australian black granite supported with a steel structural framework. the galleries will feature white walls and polished concrete floors for a flexible and adaptable interior. a piano nobile gallery  is cantilevered towards the canal. along the exterior, four three-meter stone panels open in a shuter-like manner to introduce visitors, light and serve as additional display areas. a ground level entry along the water will offer another loading portal.

east view

canal view

floor plan / exhibition level

conceptual sketch of exterior

conceptual sketch of exterior

conceptual interior

pavilion animation