Lesley Lokko's Biennale Architettura 2023: A Snob, Velleitary, and Inconclusive Edition

Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi has expressed his discontent with the 18th Venice Architecture Biennale, overseen by Lesley Lokko, labeling it as elitist, wishy-washy, and lacking resolution. He outlines five key criticisms: insufficient architectural projects, an overly academic approach, dependence on pseudo-artistic happenings, confusing labels, and national pavilions that neglect architecture. Puglisi points out the scarcity of contributions from architects trained in the US and UK, noting that David Adjaye's designs are similar to those of firms like Skidmore Owings & Merrill. The main pavilion showcases an expensive 'poor-style' canopy made of recycled metal sheets, epitomizing the event. He contrasts this Biennale with earlier ones, referencing the mourning after 9/11 and heightened environmental consciousness. The event commenced on May 17, 2023.