After 7 consecutive exhibitions, Grenada’s participation in the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia has become no longer an option, but a must.
With the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture, Grenada is leading the Caribbean in establishing a locus of art and architectural excellence.
This year’s Biennale Architettura 2025, curated by Carlo Ratti, centres on the theme “Intelligens.” Inspired by the Latin root “gens,” meaning “people,” the theme envisions a future where intelligence is inclusive, imaginative, and environmentally conscious — an ideal that resonates with Grenada’s own priorities.
Revitalising a Cultural Icon
At the centre of the Grenada exhibition will be research for reopening the National Library — the Sheila Buckmire Memorial Library — in St George’s, whose historic building has been unusable since 2011 due to structural problems from Hurricane Ivan. Despite advocacy from community groups, research by academics, and efforts by successive governments, the library sits like a silent spectre. Empowered by the Minister of Culture the Honorable Adrian Thomas, the Grenada Arts Council (GAC) through Commissioner Dr Susan Mains, has appointed a team of curators and architects to develop a research pavilion that will bring this issue to the international stage at the Biennale Architettura in May 2025.
Curators Fulvio Caputo and Luisa Flora, again advocate for Grenada’s presence at the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale in Venezia, propose a study, research and design initiative to determine the ideal requirements for the building of Grenada’s Public Library and National Archives. Their vision aims to integrate the needs, aspirations, and environmental priorities of the Grenadian community.
A Dual Research Approach
The research that will be illustrated in the pavilion and the catalogue will be developed through 2 thematic areas, dedicated to “Symbol” and “Meta-design.”
The first explores the role of symbols in local architecture, posing questions such as: Do we still need architectural symbols? What should they represent? The second area, between natural and collective intelligence, focuses on crafting an architectural identity that adapts to Grenada’s unique environment, incorporating sustainable technologies and respecting local cultural needs.
Grenadian architect Irina Kostka Da Silva, founder of her firm in St George’s, will contribute her expertise to the Meta-project section. Italian architects Giulia Conti and Alessandro Virgilio Mosetti will work on the other exhibit’s segment, adding a theoretical perspective on the role of the symbol within architectural language.
A collective Effort
This ambitious pavilion will require collaboration between the government, private sector, volunteers, and the people of Grenada.
The initiative underscores the intrinsic value of libraries as cultural and intellectual centres. Libraries are not mere repositories of books but living symbols of shared knowledge, history, and imagination. Their existence fortifies the social fabric, fostering inclusivity, intellectual freedom, and lifelong learning.
The implementation of the pavilion highlights Grenada’s commitment to restoring spaces that empower individuals, protect history, respect the environment and build a hopeful, informed future. Presenting the results of the research on the stage of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale will be invaluable to the local community.
Follow grenadavenice.org as the project unfolds.
GAC
Very good initiatives! This is a step in the right direction….finally! I applaud this.
It is very exciting to see this vision move forward. Lots of potential in Grenada.