PAD- Padiglione Venezia
"To Know How to Use What We Know.", 2021
Introduction
In 2021, amid the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Venice Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia presented the exhibition titled "To Know How to Use What We Know." Curated by Giovanna Zabotti, with architect Michele De Lucchi and his studio AMDL CIRCLE as the main contributors, the exhibition explored visionary concepts of education and the harmonious integration of humans with their environment.
Project Objectives
Enable Remote Accessibility
With travel restrictions limiting international attendance, the client required a solution to make the pavilion’s exhibition accessible to a global audience. A virtual platform was needed to provide a meaningful experience for those unable to visit Venice in person.
Promote Biennale-Wide Events
Recognizing the interconnected nature of the Biennale, the client needed a feature that could guide visitors to other exhibitions and events across Venice. This would allow for a more comprehensive engagement with the Biennale while aligning with the pavilion’s theme of interconnected knowledge.
Facilitate On-Site Navigation
To enhance the experience for local and domestic visitors, the client sought a tool to guide visitors through the pavilion seamlessly. The solution needed to support safe, contactless navigation in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Deliver Real-Time Event Updates
With a dynamic schedule of events, including talks, performances, and other activities, the client required a system to communicate these updates effectively to visitors, ensuring they could plan their experience and not miss key moments.
Enrich Visitor Engagement
The client aimed to deepen visitor interaction with the pavilion’s installations. They sought an innovative approach to showcase the stories, historical context, and significance behind the featured artworks and exhibits in a way that was engaging and easy to access.
Integrate Technology Thoughtfully
To align with the pavilion’s focus on knowledge and innovation, the client wanted a digital solution that was both functional and reflective of the exhibition’s core values. The tools needed to showcase the potential of technology to enhance cultural engagement while respecting the integrity of the exhibition’s content.
The Experience
To enhance visitor engagement and accessibility during these unprecedented times, we developed a comprehensive app that served as a virtual companion to the exhibition. The app featured a virtual tour, allowing users to explore the pavilion's installations remotely, ensuring that audiences worldwide could experience the exhibition despite travel restrictions. Indoor navigation guided on-site visitors through the pavilion, optimizing their journey and ensuring they experienced each segment of the exhibition seamlessly.
A standout feature of the app was its artwork recognition capability. By scanning artworks, users accessed multimedia content, including detailed descriptions, historical contexts, and insights into the creative processes behind the installations. This interactive element enriched the visitor experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the exhibition's themes.
The app also provided real-time updates on events related to the exhibition and an interactive map indicating locations of concurrent events within the Biennale. This feature enabled users to plan their visits effectively and engage with a broader spectrum of the Biennale's offerings.
By integrating these digital tools, we aimed to bridge the gap between physical and virtual experiences, ensuring that "To Know How to Use What We Know" was accessible and engaging for a diverse, global audience during a time of social distancing and limited travel.
Project Outcomes
Global Reach Through Virtual Access
The virtual tour of the Padiglione Venezia allowed audiences worldwide to explore the exhibition remotely, overcoming the limitations imposed by COVID-19 travel restrictions. This feature significantly expanded the pavilion’s accessibility, bringing its message and installations to a global audience.
Increased Visibility of Biennale Events
The interactive map included in the app guided visitors to other exhibitions and activities happening across Venice. This feature not only supported the Biennale’s interconnected programming but also encouraged a deeper exploration of Venice as a cultural hub.
Enhanced Visitor Navigation and Safety
The app's indoor navigation system provided an intuitive and contactless way for on-site visitors to explore the pavilion. This not only enhanced the visitor experience but also ensured compliance with health and safety protocols during the pandemic.
Real-Time Event Updates
The app’s event update feature enabled seamless communication with visitors, ensuring they were informed about scheduled activities, lectures, and performances. This contributed to a well-coordinated and highly engaging experience for attendees.
Deepened Engagement with Exhibits
The integration of artwork recognition technology added an interactive dimension to the exhibition. Visitors could access detailed multimedia content by scanning exhibits, fostering a richer understanding of the pavilion’s themes and the stories behind the artworks.
Increased Visitor Satisfaction and Feedback
Both virtual and on-site visitors reported high levels of satisfaction, highlighting the app's usability, the depth of its content, and the seamless navigation experience. The feedback underscored the success of the technology in meeting diverse visitor needs.