Khadka + Eriksson Furunes: Community-Driven Architecture Honored at Venice Biennale

Architects Sudarshan Khadka, born in 1986 in Metro Manila, and Alexander Eriksson Furunes, born in 1988 in Trondheim, earned an Honorable Mention at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale for their innovative community library project located in Barangay Encanto, Bulacan Province, Philippines. This library was constructed, taken apart, transported to Venice, and reassembled within the Philippine Pavilion, embodying the bayanihan spirit. Their partnership commenced in 2013 following Typhoon Haiyan, resulting in the rebuilding of a study center, two orphanages, and an office building. They have also engaged in projects in Vietnam, Brazil, and Oslo, drawing on local support traditions. Despite the pandemic, Khadka is developing a museum center in Bugnay, while Eriksson Furunes is working on a community center in Oslo. Both are contenders for the AR Emerging Architecture Awards.