The Uruguay Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, titled “53.86% Uruguay, Land of Water,” explores the intrinsic relationship between architecture, territory, and water. Curated by architects Katia Sei Fong, Ken Sei Fong, and visual artist Luis Sei Fong, the exhibition proposes that water management will shape the future of architecture.
Uruguay’s maritime territory is larger than its land territory, making water a fundamental element of the country’s history, culture, and development. The curators argue that the exploitation of water is a key challenge in Latin American urban and political dynamics, with corporations and governments engaging in a “peaceful conquest” through agreements granting access to resources.
For the curators, architecture is a complex process involving living beings, materials, and resources, with water playing a crucial role. The discipline has the potential to address water-related challenges through infrastructure that promotes conservation and efficiency.
The Uruguay Pavilion features an immersive experience, incorporating sound and visual devices, a walkable artistic pavement, and an estuary landscape. The installation includes a “factory of drops” that generates volumetric tension, creating a sensory experience that highlights the importance of water management in architecture.
Image Courtesy: archdaily.com
