Uzbekistan's Venice Biennale Pavilion Explores Architectural Heritage Through Brick Labyrinth

At the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, Studio KO, an architecture firm based in Paris and Marrakech, presented the Uzbekistan pavilion titled 'Unbuild Together: Archaism vs Modernity.' Situated in the Arsenale, the exhibit showcased a maze constructed from recycled Venetian terracotta bricks and glazed pieces from Uzbekistan, highlighting the contrasts between ancient traditions and contemporary design. The biennale, curated by Lesley Lokko, revolved around the theme 'The Laboratory of the Future,' with Uzbekistan being the sole representative from Central Asia. The design prioritized materiality, featuring earthy aromas and textured surfaces. Collaborations with Ajou University students included workshops in Tashkent and Bukhara, alongside artifacts and a video by El Mehdi Azzam. The pavilion, commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, aimed to envision a future without referencing the Soviet era.