May 10–November 23, 2025
The Türkiye Pavilion is set to unveil Grounded, a project inspired by the sensual and cyclical nature of soil—translating the earth’s inherent versatility into architectural expression. Curators Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa invite visitors to reconsider their relationship with nature and to explore the richness and depth of the ground beneath our feet.
Soil takes center stage in the exhibition, emphasizing its inherent intelligence and vital role in the development of civilizations, ecosystems, and sustainability. Visitors will experience the textures, scents, and sounds surrounding soil throughout the exhibition. The project calls for a renewed focus on climate emergency, livelihoods, and cyclical systems through the networks surrounding architecture. With a critical yet hopeful outlook, Grounded opens space for dialogue on industrialization while shedding light on Türkiye’s cultural heritage, archaeological sites, and sustainable building practices. Local techniques and new technologies are juxtaposed, underscoring a sustainable approach to architecture.
The accompanying publication, also titled Grounded, adds an independent layer of thought to the project. The themes adopted by the curators are re-assessed from different perspectives by a plethora of authors from various disciplines. In addition to the most detailed articles and visuals about the artworks and architectural projects in the exhibition, the book also includes personal narratives from the curators, offering autobiographical insights into the making of Grounded. Turkish edition of the book will be available in Türkiye, in collaboration with YEM Publications starting from May 8, both in stores and online. English edition, published in collaboration with ListLab can be obtained in bookstores at La Biennale di Venezia and through international distributors.
Individual participants: Hüseyin Aksoy, Michael Akstaller, E. Füsun Alioğlu & Senem Akçay, Ali Mahmut Demirel, Sinem Dişli, Yelda Gin, Ali Miharbi, Özgül Öztürk, Serkan Taycan, Orkan Telhan
Participating teams: Atelier FY, Bire-Pan, Common Action Walls, Herkes İçin Mimarlık & Poçolana Works, Mono Earth, Ozruh, Rec II, ReYard House, Solidified, Yalın Architects
Architectural research assistants: Enes Yılmaz, Leonie Todd, Karim Gohary, Neha Goel, Simonida Galovic
Curatorial assistant: Dicle Beştaş
Exhibition design: Bilge Kalfa Architecture
Graphic design: Paleworks (Ozan Akkoyun, Yağmur Ruzgar)
Editor: Melis Cankara
Contributors to the publication include: Aytek Soner Alpan, Sevince Bayrak, Enise Burcu Derinboğaz, Ceren Erdem, Ömür Harmanşah, Bilge Kalfa, Burcu Serdar Köknar, Aslı Odman, Bülent Tanju, Evren Uzer
The Türkiye Pavilion exhibition is commissioned by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV), co-sponsored by SCHÜCO TÜRKİYE and VitrA, and realised with the contribution of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. Fibrobeton and STONELINE support the Türkiye Pavilion as contributing organisations, Turkish Airlines as the airline partner. FÖRNİ Furniture, SAHA Association and Summart provide production support.
The Türkiye Pavilion has taken part in the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia since 2014, thanks to the acquisition of the permanent venue at Sale d’Armi, Arsenale, on the initiative of İKSV and with the support of 21 sponsors.
Further information: turkiyepavilion25.iksv.org/en
High-resolution images: www.iksvphoto.com/album/89qal3
For media enquiries: media@iksv.org