Dive into Community: Iceland's Vision at the Venice Biennale
Unveiling "SOAK": Iceland's Architectural Contribution to the Biennale
Iceland's presence at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia will be marked by "SOAK: Rituals of Collective Belonging." This exhibition focuses on the country's bathing culture, examining its profound connections to architecture, public space, and social interaction. Commissioned by Iceland Design and Architecture and overseen by Halla Helgadóttir, the project is curated by Marcos Zotes, a partner at Basalt Architects. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Basalt Architects, design studio Gagarin, and artist Rán Flygenring. "SOAK" signifies Iceland's second consecutive participation in the Architecture Biennale chosen through an open call, succeeding the 2025 "Lavaforming" exhibition by s.ap architects.
The Geothermal Pulse: Bathing Facilities as Pillars of Community
Drawing inspiration from Iceland's extensive network of public geothermal pools, the "SOAK" exhibition investigates their role in shaping daily life throughout the country. These bathing facilities are presented not merely as recreational amenities but as essential public infrastructure that facilitates informal social interactions, shared customs, and communal existence. Through spatial installations, visual stories, and comprehensive research, the project explores the dynamic relationship between water, architectural design, and public areas. The exhibition shifts focus from architecture as a static entity to its capacity to cultivate social engagement and shared experiences.
Cultural Heritage and Architectural Identity: The Significance of Geothermal Pools
The project highlights Iceland's bathing culture, a practice recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Benefiting from abundant naturally heated water, geothermal pools have become a defining characteristic of communities across Iceland. These pools serve as vital gathering places and often stand as significant architectural landmarks, embodying both practical utility and cultural importance.
Beyond Buildings: Architecture as a Catalyst for Social Connection
Marcos Zotes, the exhibition's curator, articulates that the project aims to broaden architectural discourse beyond mere building construction. Instead, it emphasizes the social relationships and collective experiences that architecture can foster. By conceptualizing the pavilion as a platform for contemplating everyday life, "SOAK" investigates how public infrastructure can simultaneously fulfill practical needs and act as a powerful catalyst for community building.
The Creative Minds Behind "SOAK": A Multidisciplinary Team
The exhibition team is a diverse group of experts spanning architecture, exhibition design, and visual storytelling. From Basalt Architects, partners Hrólfur Karl Cela, Marcos Zotes, and Perla Dís Kristinsdóttir contribute the architectural framework, leveraging their extensive experience with Iceland's geothermal landscapes, including the renowned Blue Lagoon. Exhibition design is a collaborative effort with Gagarin's Kristín Eva Ólafsdóttir and Nils Wiberg, who integrate visual communication, interactive media, and spatial design. Artist, author, and illustrator Rán Flygenring enriches the project with a narrative dimension, drawing from her ongoing exploration of Icelandic swimming culture.
Experiencing "SOAK": Dates and Theme of the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale
"SOAK: Rituals of Collective Belonging" will be a key feature of the 20th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. Curated by Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, the Biennale's overarching theme is "Do Architecture — The Possibility of Coexistence in the Face of Real Reality." The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 8 to November 21, 2027, inviting visitors to engage with Iceland's compelling narrative of community and design.