Exhibition to highlight Scotland’s place in Northern Europe
SCOTLAND’s contribution to the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale has been revealed: Prospect North.
Prospect North – a creation from Lateral North, Dualchas Architects and Soluis – will explore Scotland, its relationship alongside its northern neighbours and look at people and places.
The exhibition will showcase as series of stories, portraits and maps which hope to highlight Scotland’s place within an emerging northern region at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.
Scotland’s contribution will explore the relationships between people, culture, places, industries and economies and how small communities from Orkney to the central belt and its industries are becoming re-energised through the efforts of grassroots organisations.
The exhibition and event series will run from 26 May until 25 June at Ludoteca Santa Maria Ausiliatrice in Venice, and will return to Scotland for a nationwide tour as part of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design.
Tom Smith and Graham Hogg from Lateral North told CommonSpace: “Lateral North, in collaboration with Dualchas Architects, will develop an abstracted timber undulating map of Scotland showcasing designer and community collaborative interventions in urban, suburban, rural, remote, coastal and island environments.
“Each of these communities’ stories will be delivered through a series of short films overlaid on the geographic positioning of the projects.
“The exhibition attempts to identify how recent legislative measures can generate new opportunities for communities and designers to develop democratic and locally based solutions.
“We’re looking to engage people though the physical aspect of exhibition but also through interactive processes and showing these amazing designs and community collaborations
“All of this starts with a shift in perception of what we want Scotland to be. We need look no further than our Northern Atlantic neighbours and towards new northern prospects.”
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland’s architecture policy has long recognised the links between good design and participation, and improving outcomes for communities, and this is year’s Biennale theme is an excellent opportunity to showcase how community input, vision and leadership in Scotland has delivered real benefits.
“The Scotland + Venice project will again promote Scotland’s emerging architecture talent. Lateral North and Dualchas are adopting a truly innovative and illuminating approach to how architecture can be the heart of improving outcomes for communities in Scotland.
“The Prospect North project will be a key element of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. It will not only showcase Scottish practice in Venice, but through a tour across Scotland it will also promote further the benefits of linking our communities with our design talent and creativity.”
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Pictures courtesy of Prospect North