Farrell and McNamara to Curate 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale

Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara, founders of Grafton Architects in Dublin, have been appointed curators of the 16th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, running from May 26 to November 25, 2018. The decision was made by the Biennale's Board of Directors on the proposal of President Paolo Baratta. The Irish architects are known for institutional and university projects, including the new Bocconi University building in Milan, Dublin City University offices, Parson's Building, Trinity College Dublin, and the Government Department for the Office of Public Works. Both have taught at University College Dublin since 1976 and hold the chair of architecture at the Accademia di Mendrisio. Baratta stated that Farrell and McNamara will continue the theme set by Alejandro Aravena's 2016 exhibition, focusing on the quality of public and private space, urban space, territory, and landscape as primary references and goals of architecture. They are noted for their refined work and pedagogical engagement with younger generations. This marks the Biennale's return to female curators after Kazuyo Sejima in 2010 and the 2005 Art Biennale co-curated by María de Corral and Rosa Martínez.