Sanaa partner named as Venice Biennale director

10 November, 2009

Sejima, founding partner of Japanese practice Sanaa, is the biennale’s first female director and the first practising architect to take the role since Massimiliano Fuksas in 2000.

Kazuyo Sejima

“Buildings, the atmosphere that they create and the way in which they are conceived, can be the central starting point of the coming biennale.”

Paolo Baratta, president of the Venice Biennale, said: “The choice has fallen on one of the most highly qualified and established representatives of the new masters of architecture of the new millennium.

“After a series of biennali entrusted to eminent critics or historians, the decision was taken to give this sector once more to an architect to bring the major theme of the quality of architecture back to the forefront through a person who has made quality into a personal vocation”.

Sejima’s concept for the biennale is as an opportunity to “step back and assess the zeitgeist of now” and focuses on the clarification, removal and softening of traditional boundaries such as those between physical and virtual, public and private or active and passive design.

Get the latest stories first with BD newsletters. Click to signup
							WHAT ARE THESE?

| DISCUSS IN BD'S FORUM | SUBSCRIBE TO BD

---

We want to hear from you
You can be as critical or controversial as you like, but please don't get personal or offensive, and do keep it brief and relevant. Remember this is for feedback and constructive discussion!
Comments may be edited if they do not meet these guidelines.

Tell us what you think

You must fill in all fields marked *

Story date 10 November, 2009

This field is for security, please leave blank.

Your Name*

Your Email*

Comment*