Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu, renowned architects and founders of Amateur Architecture Studio, have been appointed as curators for the 20th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2027. Their selection brings a fresh perspective to the event, emphasizing vernacular knowledge, construction cultures, and the social dimensions of contemporary architecture. With a practice grounded in local memory, manual techniques, and material reuse, Wang and Lu have made significant contributions to architectural education in China, founding key institutions and producing notable projects that blend tradition with innovation. Their appointment is a testament to their influence and the importance of their approach in the field of architecture.
The duo's work often involves mediating between the past and present, using recycled materials, ordinary structures, and the ingenuity of artisans. Their projects, such as the Ningbo Historic Museum and the Xiangshan Campus of the China Academy of Art, showcase their ability to create architecture that emerges from its context while respecting its history. Wang Shu, in particular, made history as the first Chinese architect to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2012.
Wang and Lu's philosophy on architecture is rooted in a simple and true concept, emphasizing place, material history, and continuity. They express concern over contemporary trends that are "driven to extremes" and disconnected from real conditions, warning that such practices "will lead to the death of architecture." Their advocacy for a more grounded and socially conscious approach to architecture has sparked important discussions in the field.
La Biennale di Venezia, recognizing their essential voice in the international architectural debate, has invited Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu to join a distinguished list of curators, including Carlo Ratti, Lesley Lokko, Hashim Sarkis, Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, and Rem Koolhaas. This appointment further solidifies their influence and the importance of their work in shaping the future of architecture, inviting visitors to explore the social and cultural dimensions of the built environment.
