Az W in VENICE: Hands-On Urbanism 1850 – 2012

“Common Ground” is the theme of the 13th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice directed by David Chipperfield. Curator Elke Krasny was invited to develop an adapted version of the exhibition “Hands-On Urbanism 1850 – 2012. The Right to Green”, which she originally conceived for the Az W.

“Hands-On Urbanism 1850 – 2012” is devoted to the history of ideas of appropriating land in urban space. Photo-text installations provide an overview of self-administrating, collective, informal movements and the spaces created by them. Curator Elke Krasny shows that , rather than being exceptions to the rule, hands-on urbanism, bottom-up urbanism und unplanned urban development are in fact driving forces in the development of the city and often catalysts for official planning strategies. She presents a different history of urbanity that poses pressing questions about the responsibility of architects and planners and about our use of resources.

The original exhibition “Hands-On Urbanism 1850 – 2012. The Right to Green” was shown from 15 March to 25 June 2012 at the Architekturzentrum Wien.

The following case studies will be presented at the Biennale:
– “Schreberplatz”, Leipzig
– Hull House, Chicago, from 1889
– Allotment gardens, „The Future on the Schmelz“, Vienna
– Settler movement Vienna
– Living on lots, Bremen, from 1945
– Ma Shi Po Village, Hong Kong, from 1947
– Sarigöl, a Gecekondu, Istanbul
– Bowery-Houston Community Farm and Garden, New York
– La Quebrada Navarro, Quito. Andinos erect informal settlements and farm in the raines of Quito
– Chimalhuacan, Estado de México, Gabion House, Arturo Ortiz Struck
– What will the Harvest be? London
– R-Urban, Colombes / Grand Paris

Curator: Elke Krasny / Exhibition graphics: Alexander Schuh