Denmark's contribution to the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia examines how rethinking and reusing existing buildings and materials can address critical architectural challenges. The exhibition was commissioned by the Danish Architecture Center and curated by architect Søren Pihlmann. Aligning with the Biennale's overarching theme, "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.," the Danish pavilion features the exhibition Build of Site, which explores sustainable architectural practices through the lens of reuse and resourcefulness. Build of Site proposes a mindset that prioritizes resource awareness and the potential of existing structures, principles communicated during the opening in a film produced in collaboration with Louisiana Channel.
Housed within a historic building complex comprising Carl Brummer's 1932 structure and Peter Koch's 1958 extension, the Danish pavilion was reimagined as an active exhibition site. The transformation illustrates practical maintenance processes that leverage the building's existing resources, offering a tangible demonstration of sustainable practices. Søren Pihlmann, in collaboration with experts from leading institutions such as the Royal Danish Academy, the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, and ETH Zurich, showcases hyper-local methods for reclaiming building materials. The pavilion serves as a real-time, full-scale study of sustainable architectural practices.
As part of the exhibition, a comprehensive study of the pavilion's materials has been undertaken to maximize their usability. By combining existing materials with bio-based binders, Build of Site highlights innovative techniques that integrate recycled and bio-based elements. The project underscores the value found in surplus materials and demonstrates an architectural practice rooted in reuse and adaptation.
We've already created everything we need. The challenge is to better understand and find value in what already exists. -- Søren Pihlmann.
The exhibition encourages visitors to reconsider traditional views of material worth by showcasing how elements from previous construction projects can be repurposed. It aims to inspire a global shift towards a resource-conscious architecture that values the inherent qualities and potential of existing materials. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness an ongoing experimental process, observing how the building's resources are creatively reimagined for new uses. The exhibition offers a glimpse into technical and architectural methodologies that are typically behind the scenes.
Developed in collaboration with academics, craftsmen, and material specialists, the exhibition brings together technological innovation and local resource utilization. "We integrate both traditional and contemporary technologies, conducting detailed analyses of existing building elements to incorporate them into a sustainable cycle that minimizes resource consumption," notes Pihlmann. Build of Site provides insights into forward-thinking construction methods and presents a scalable model applicable to buildings worldwide. By broadening the definition of architectural value, the Danish pavilion invites visitors to explore new perspectives on sustainability in architecture.
Danish cinematographer Simon Weyhe documented Søren Pihlmann's work at the Danish Pavilion between December 2023 and April 2025. During the same period, the curator was interviewed multiple times by Marc-Christoph Wagner. The result is presented in the film Make Materials Matter, produced by Simon Weyhe and Marc-Christoph Wagner in collaboration with Louisiana Channel. The video was released during the Biennale's opening week and is also exhibited in the Koch Hall. In conversation, Søren Pihlmann explains: "Everything we produce as part of this process will go back into and thus stay inside the pavilion. It's like an open laboratory."
In addition to Denmark's 'Build of Site' exhibition, other 64 countries have inaugurated their national pavilions for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2025: The U.S. Pavilion will present "PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity," exploring the cultural significance of the American porch as a space for connection and civic engagement. Iceland's pavilion, titled "Lavaforming," will showcase innovative approaches to creating sustainable building materials from controlled lava flows, highlighting the potential of volcanic activity in construction. Finally, the French Pavilion will feature "Vivre avec / Living with," a project focusing on architecture's capacity to address global challenges such as climate change and conflict, utilizing a combination of natural, human, and artificial intelligence.
We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Venice Biennale.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 21, 2025 and updated on May 14, 2025 to include photographs and the Louisiana Channel film.
