For the first time in its history, the Venice Architecture Biennale 2018 will feature a series of chapels representing the Holly See. Curated by Francesco Dal Co, the concept takes the form of ten temporary little religious venues each designed by a different architect. Foster + Partners, in partnership with Tecno, will build one of the chapels located in a wooded area at one end of the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore. 

“The starting point for the chapel’s design concept was to take three symbolic crosses and a timber deck set in the landscape, draped with a tent-like membrane. During the passage, the crosses morphed into a tensegrity structure of cables and masts whilst the membrane evolved into a wooden latticework attached to the structure.”

“Our project started with the selection of the site. On a visit to San Giorgio Maggiore, close to Palladio’s magnificent church and the Teatro Verde, we found a green space with two mature trees beautifully framing the view of the lagoon. It was like a small oasis in the big garden, perfect for contemplation. Our aim is to create a small sanctuary space diffused with dappled shade and removed from the normality of passers-by, focused instead on the water and sky beyond.” – Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman

Text from the architects of Foster + Partners.
The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, 25 May, and the pavilion will remain open to the public between 26 May and 25 November 2018.