Header: Clelia Cadamuro
The Virginia Tech Honors College is leading one of the eleven Collateral Events selected by curator Carlo Ratti for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. The project, titled “unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION,” presents two exhibitions, produced by the college and Cloud9, and curated by Dr. Enric Ruiz Geli and Dr. Anne-Lise Velez. Located at the Giardini della Marinaressa , the installation moves away from human-centered design to focus on what the curators call “interspecies architecture”.
A “pollinator-centered” design
The core of the project is an exhibition space that is not for humans, but for insects. The team is showcasing ephemeral architecture designed specifically to attract and support pollinators. This concept is called “Second Nature,” and its execution involves the introduction of more than 60 types of plants and over 10 different pollinators into the garden space for the duration of the exhibition. The goal is to promote the growth and flourishing of the garden, creating a new natural space within Venice.
This design approach was inspired by the history of Venice itself, particularly the way Venetians have always adapted to the biodiversity of the wetlands. A key reference was a historical image showing Venetian beekeepers moving their hives in boats after a lagoon flood. This event is not just about showing objects; it aims to use the organic agents of pollination to create fertility and innovation.
Supporting designs and partners
The exhibition design is by Joba and is supported by industry partners including USM Modular Furniture, Blumer Lehmann, Seele, iGuzzini, Valley Landscaping, and Nagami. In addition to the student-led pavilion, the structure at Giardini della Marinaressa and space inside the Palazzo Bembo will display several key works from the architecture studio Cloud 9. These projects include the El Bulli Foundation , CaixaForum Valencia , Villa Accretion, and The Watermill Center.
Transdisciplinary ideas on show
The exhibition also serves as a platform for the transdisciplinary work of students and faculty at the Virginia Tech Honors College. These projects explore design solutions for complex problems.
Visitors will see analytical and graphic posters created by the “Cities and Social Change” group, which engage with urban development issues like design districts. Another project, “Chairs in the air,” presents designs for adaptable chairs and wheelchair spaces in airplane cabins that protect user safety and dignity while minimizing revenue loss for airlines.
Other concepts on display include “Farms of the Future- Cobots,” which proposes a mobile monitoring system to promote silvopasture and reduce farmer workloads. The “Hypnos” project explores sleep deprivation in astronauts and features a design for a sleep module named Selene, which comprises five individual sleep capsules. Student work from the “Second Nature” course will also highlight the history of Venetian wetland and harbor apiculture.
Spreading the idea
The project’s title “PolliNATION” refers to the hope that these ideas of restoration will spread like pollen, creating a community with a collective environmental consciousness. To kickstart this conversation, Cloud 9 Architecture has invited Aaron Betsky to moderate a symposium. Speakers will include exhibition curator Carlo Ratti, Elizabeth Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Mitchell Joachim of Terreform 1, and Claudia Pasquero of Ecologic Studio, among others .
Visit the exhibition “unEarthed / Second Nature / PolliNATION” until November 23, 2025. at the Giardini della Marinaressa, Riva dei Sette Martiri, Castello, Venice.
