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Patrick Bouchain to Represent France at 2006 Venice Architecture Biennale

architecture-design · 2026-04-23

Patrick Bouchain, recognized for his work in converting industrial spaces into cultural hubs, will represent France at the 10th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, running from September 10 to November 19, 2006. Under the direction of Richard Burdett, this year's Biennale focuses on the theme "Meta-City." Rather than a conventional exhibition, Bouchain plans to facilitate discussions with artists and intellectuals. He is currently transforming the old municipal swimming pool in Bègles into a cultural center, with a budget of €4.5 million, while maintaining its original characteristics and introducing modern facilities. The Bègles pool is set to open in September 2006, aligning with the Venice pavilion, which will be a livable space created in collaboration with collective EXYZT. Additionally, Bouchain has also completed the National Choreographic Center in Rillieux-la-Pape and the Museum of Modest Arts in Sète.

Key facts

  • Patrick Bouchain represents France at the 10th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, September 10 – November 19, 2006.
  • The Biennale is directed by Richard Burdett and themed 'Meta-City'.
  • Bouchain's pavilion will host debates with artists, philosophers, and filmmakers instead of a monographic show.
  • He is rehabilitating the former municipal swimming pool in Bègles into a cultural center with a €4.5 million budget.
  • The Bègles pool project preserves original Art Deco-Moorish facade and interior, adding a hammam, café, and new pool.
  • An ecological '1% scientifique' water purification system uses plants to clean water.
  • Daniel Buren creates the door for the French pavilion in Venice.
  • Bouchain completed the National Choreographic Center in Rillieux-la-Pape for Maguy Marin, built for under €4 million.

Entities

Artists

  • Patrick Bouchain
  • Daniel Buren
  • Michel Onfray
  • Pierre Guyotat
  • Otar Iosseliani
  • Lucien Kroll
  • Marin Kasimir
  • Maguy Marin
  • Pierre Giner
  • Sophie Trelcat

Institutions

  • Magasin (Grenoble)
  • LU (Nantes)
  • La Condition Publique (Roubaix)
  • Biennale d'architecture de Venise
  • Centre chorégraphique national (CCN) de Rillieux-la-Pape
  • Musée des Arts modestes (Sète)
  • EXYZT
  • artpress

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy
  • France
  • Grenoble
  • Nantes
  • Roubaix
  • Bègles
  • Rillieux-la-Pape
  • Rhône
  • Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande
  • Rennes
  • Sète
  • Calais

Sources