Mario Cucinella on Italy Pavilion at 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale

Mario Cucinella, curator of the Italian Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale titled 'Arcipelago Italia', discusses his approach in an interview. He emphasizes the responsibility of curating over designing, using a public call to explore Italy's internal and peripheral areas. With sociologist Marinella Sclavi, he listened to local communities, uncovering a strong desire for change. An example is Gibellina's never-opened Consagra theatre, which Cucinella helped reopen. The pavilion highlights five real architectural projects. From over 550 submissions, Cucinella observed a North-South divide, with the South lacking public investment. He selected six young studios—AM3, BDR, Diverserighe, Gravalos Di Monte, Modus Architects, Solinas Serra—for their collective approach to issues like health and reconstruction. Cucinella criticizes 'archistar' culture, advocating for architecture rooted in local context. He updates on his Etruscan Museum in Milan, involving excavation and restoration of Palazzo Bocconi-Rizzoli-Carraro for Fondazione Luigi Rovati, with a scientific committee including Salvatore Settis. He describes his work with three words: curiosity, courage, love.