We're pleased to share that we were one of five projects shortlisted for the British Pavilion at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2023. The Biennale alternates between art and architecture each year and explores themes of politics, contemporary cultural and social issues. It attracts up to 600,000 international visitors annually. The British Council (who curates the British Pavilion) had asked for “bold and imaginative proposals, which encourage participation, inspire debate and discussion and offer a new experience of and perspective on contemporary British architecture and how it can respond to global challenges.”

We had submitted Listen Up!, which we designed in collaboration with our friends at ZCD Architects. Our goal was to showcase work being carried out with young people across the UK. Their stories and lived experiences would be revealed, displayed, and broadcast – through models, drawings and film. Visitors would be introduced to new ways of working with young people, guided through best practice and inspired to try different approaches themselves. We wanted young people working on the project to feel empowered and heard, and we envisaged ways of working together with pupils and students from Italy as the project evolved. We hope to repurpose this idea into something else, somewhere else – watch this space!

We also wanted to extend our sincere congratulations to the winning team: Jayden Ali, Joseph Henry, Meneesha Kellay and Sumitra Upham. We look forward to visiting what you've imagined for Venice next year!