Paolo Baratta, whom I wish to thank for having accepted to accompany this edition after having entrusted it to the curator Hashim Sarkis, says in his presentation: We have confirmed that one of the aims of an International Exhibition was also that of increasing a desire for Architecture.

And I would like to add that we have never before had such a need for Architecture.” (See the c by Roberto Cicutto enclosed) “The current global pandemic – affirms Hashim Sarkis - has no doubt made the question that this Biennale Architettura is asking all the more relevant and timely, even if somehow ironic, given the imposed isolation. It may indeed be a coincidence that the theme was proposed a few 

months before the pandemic. However, many of the reasons that initially led us to ask this question - the intensifying climate crisis, massive population displacements, political instabilities around the world, and growing racial, social, and economic inequalities, among others - have led us to this pandemic and have become all the more relevant.

We can no longer wait for politicians to propose a path towards a better future. As politics continue to divide and isolate, we can offer alternative ways of living together through architecture. The Biennale Architettura 2021 is motivated by new kinds of problems that the world is putting in front of architecture, but it is also inspired by the emerging activism of young architects and the radical revisions being proposed by the profession of architecture to take on these challenges.” (See the full text by Hashim Sarkis enclosed) If there is one architect who embodies most fittingly the theme of the Biennale Architettura 2021, it is Lina Bo Bardi, who is the recipient of the Special Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in memoriam of this year edition. The acknowledgment was recommended by Hashim Sarkis and approved by the Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia.

“Her career as a designer, editor, curator, and activist reminds us of the role of the architect as convener and importantly, as the builder of collective visions – stated Sarkis. Lina Bo Bardi also exemplifies the perseverance of the architect in difficult times whether wars, political strife, or immigration, and her ability to remain creative, generous, and optimistic throughout.” BIENNALE SESSIONS, the project for the Universities La Biennale again this year dedicates the Biennale Sessions project to Universities, Academies and Institutes of Higher Education. The goal is to facilitate three-day self-organized visits for groups of at least 50 students and teachers, who will be assisted in organizing their journey and their stay, and will be offered the possibility of organizing seminars to be held free of charge in the venues of the exhibition (see attached details).

EDUCATIONAL
Over the past decade La Biennale has given increasing importance to its educational aims, maturing a strong commitment with its “Educational” activities towards the audiences of the Exhibitions, the universities, young people and children in schools of all levels. The Biennale Architettura 2018 and the Biennale Arte 2019 involved a total of 114,672 people, including 68,205 young participants in the Educational activities. For the year 2021, there will be a generous programme offered to individuals and groups of students, children, adults, families, professionals, companies and universities. All the initiatives pursue the active involvement of the participants and are conducted by personnel selected and trained by La Biennale. They are divided between Guided Tours and Workshop Activities (details attached).

PUBLICATIONS
The official catalogue, titled How will we live together?, consists of two volumes. Volume I, edited by Hashim Sarkis, is dedicated to the International Exhibition. Volume II is dedicated to the National Participations and the Collateral Events. The Exhibition Guide is conceived to accompany the visitor along the exhibition route. The publications also include two books in English, titled Co-Habitats and Expansions, which reflect on the themes developed in the Exhibition. The coordinated graphic identity of the Biennale Architettura and the layout of the books are by Omnivore, Inc. The books are published by La Biennale di Venezia (fact sheet attached). 

THE PARTNERS AND THE SPONSORS
Biennale Architettura 2021 has been made possible by the support of Rolex, Partner and Official Watch of the event. We would like to thank the Sponsors of Biennale Architettura 2021: Artemide, Edison, Vela - Venezia Unica and Paola Lenti. We would also like to thank Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. The media partner for the 17th International Architecture Exhibition is Rai Cultura which, on its three channels Rai 5, Rai Storia and Rai Scuola and its web platform, will also follow all the events of La Biennale di Venezia for the year 2021 (see attached calendar).

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the Ministry of Culture, the Institutions in our region that each in its own way support La Biennale, the City of Venice, the Regione del Veneto, the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per il Comune di Venezia e Laguna, the Marina Militare.

We also wish to thank the donors, the international Entities and Institutions who were important to the outcome of the 17th Exhibition, and to our sponsor Edison which worked to bring energy efficiency to the lighting system in the Corderie dell’Arsenale. In particular, our thanks go to Hashim Sarkis and to his entire team. And finally, we wish to thank the fine professionals of La Biennale who applied themselves with great dedication to the development and management of the Architecture Exhibition.

18. Catalog and Short guide