The 17th International Architecture Exhibition (La Biennale di Venezia), “How will we live together?” opened over the weekend, on view through November 21. Rolex is serving as exclusive partner and official timepiece, making this the fourth collaboration between Rolex and the premier architectural event since 2014.
Mentor Sir David Adjaye and protégée Mariam Kamara visit the regional market designed by Kamara in Dandaji, Niger, courtesy of Rolex.
Marking the occasion within the Rolex Pavilion in the Giardini is a showcase of the latest Rolex Mentor and Protegé Program, between Mariam Kamara of atelier masōmī and Sir David Adjaye. Kamara designed a cultural center for Niamey in Niger, using traditional and sustainable building methods, the plans for which are presented in renderings, two models, and a film. It features a library, performance space, and spaces to connect and gather in and outside.
“In a country where 70 per cent of the population are illiterate, you might feel you didn’t belong there. So it was important to create a building that you could happen by and walk through. I wanted to create a continuous expe- rience where you get transported from one world to another,” said Kamara.
A model of the new cultural centre in Niamey, Niger, a project designed by Rolex protégée Mariam Kamara with the guidance of Sir David Adjaye, courtesy of Rolex.
“I think that for my generation, and definitely Mariam’s generation, who are interested in Africa and who understand the technology of the modern world, making this make sense for the commu- nities in Africa is the most extraordinary opportunity. To define, potentially, the direction that a city could go,” said Adjaye.
Mentor Sir David Adjaye and protégée Mariam Kamara visit the regional market designed by Kamara in Dandaji, Niger, courtesy of Rolex.
Also on view within the pavilion is a presentation of the refurbished Rolex Italy headquarters, by architects Onsitestudio. The environmentally sound design, which emphasizes on light and space and the use of sustainable building materials. “Rolex’s support of the Biennale and what it represents is also manifest in the company’s forward-thinking approach as reflected in architecture through the optimization of space and the creation of sustainable buildings,” said Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication & Image.
Pavilion designed by Rolex at the international architecture exhibition recalls the fluted bezel, courtesy of Rolex.
