SaphiraVentura and Instituto Bienal Amazônia Present
SIDE bY SIDE VENICE Architecture Biennale 2025
June 21–30, 2025
Kunst Depot Campiello Widmann – Rio Terà dei Biri, 5415 – Venice, IT
The Instituto Bienal Amazônia and Saphira Ventura Gallery announce the second edition of the “Innovation in Focus – Side by side VENICE Architecture Biennale 2025” event, which will take place during the Venice Architecture Biennale, from June 21 to July 16, 2025. This highly relevant event will bring together a select group of internationally renowned Brazilian architects and artists from various nationalities, all committed to promoting sustainability and innovation.
Innovation in Focus” will serve as a stage for the presentation of a range of works and projects that reflect the latest approaches in sustainable architecture and design. With the support of FGV – Europe, ODS Amazônia and the New York International Contemporary Art Society, this international program aims to highlight the importance of art and architecture as fundamental tools for social communication and environmental education.
Special mention goes to Patricia O’Reilly, who is competing for the 2nd Architecture Project Award. Another important participant is the artist Rose Maiorana, who has been standing out in the Saphira Ventura Gallery Art Tour. After starting out in New York, Rose had the opportunity to exhibit her work in Egypt, at the Grand Egyptian Museum, and in Paris, where she participated in the exhibition “Innovation in Focus”, celebrating the relationship between Brazil and France. Her career reflects not only her talent, but also the importance of collaboration between institutions, such as the Instituto Bienal Amazônia, Saphira Ventura Gallery, Fundação Getúlio Vargas – Europa and the Brazilian American Chamber, in addition to the Instituto ODS Amazônia.
Curated by Alcinda Saphira and coordinated by economist Louis Ventura, PhD, the event will not only present exhibitions, but will also include seminars that promote a critical dialog about the challenges and solutions for a sustainable future. This creative tour incorporates a diversity of voices – including artists, architects, designers, academics, environmentalists and diplomats – creating a manifesto that seeks to give a voice to those who are often left unrepresented.
The participating architects include prominent names such as Benedito Abbud (Brazil), Seferin Arquitetura da Saúde (Brazil), Patrícia O’Reilly (Brazil) and Ester Carro (Brazil). In addition to them, a number of new and established artists will also take part in the event, including Bari Bing (USA), Ju Barros (Brazil), Maycon Nunes (Brazil), Ana Olivier & Ricardo Stumn (Brazil), Barbara Tyler (USA), Saori Kurioka (Japan/USA), Maria T Ason (USA), Mathilda (Argentina), Ali CXC (Turkey), Dominika Koczot & Greg Hajdarowicz (Lisbon), Renata Ferraz (Brazil), Nashimia, Rose Maiorana (Brazil), Pedro Gui (Brazil), Alberto Zampieri, and Liz Carvalho (USA), as well as Júlia Isabel (Croatia).
This itinerant program will culminate at COP30, which will be held in Belém do Pará, the base city of the Instituto Bienal Amazônia, chaired by Alcinda Saphira and co-founded by architect Milene Coutinho, who is the art director. “Side by Side: Innovation in Focus” not only offers topics for reflection, but also explores the technical and functional side of architecture, demonstrating that innovation can and must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Venice, with its rich cultural and artistic tradition, will open its doors to host this important event, involving the local community and promoting a dialog that transcends borders. Join us on this journey of innovation and awareness, where art and architecture meet in defense of a fairer and more sustainable world.
Benedito Abbud Arquitetura Paisagística
Hectares: where nature becomes architecture
More than just a residential community, Hectares is a contemporary manifesto on how we should inhabit the world. Conceived by São Bento Urbanismo, with the collaboration of renowned landscape architect Benedito Abbud, the project was born in the heart of Brazil, in Dourados – MS, and proposes a new perspective on living — one where landscape, architecture, and well-being are seamlessly intertwined.
With features that celebrate the natural environment and infrastructure designed to promote quality of life, Hectares connects the urban to the organic, the modern to the essential. The project respects the original topography, ensures privacy by allowing only single-story homes, preserves green areas, and creates shared spaces that encourage connection, contemplation, and a true sense of belonging.
Hectares marks a milestone for São Bento Urbanismo — a company founded by the Messias family, whose core values celebrate land, time, and quality. More than developing properties, São Bento creates life experiences that reflect an unwavering commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and deep respect for those who choose to live well.
Seferin Arquitetos da Saúde
Santa Casa de Misericórdia
Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Porto Alegre is a renowned institution that manages a large hospital complex composed of multiple buildings, organized along an internal axis. Prior to the intervention, there was no fluid connection between these structures.
In response to the client’s vision, a unified canopy was developed, extending through the central courtyard of the complex to create a cohesive and iconic open space. Composed of 1,647 glass panels and supported by a triangular steel grid, the structure links three internal zones to the hospital’s main entrance.
More than just shelter, the Rua Coberta da Santa Casa (Santa Casa Covered Walkway) establishes a vibrant, green environment that fosters a sense of welcome, integration, and well-being for its users. Its organic layout blends naturally with the surroundings, reinforcing harmony between architecture, function, and landscape.
Exhibition: June 21– July 16, 2025
Opening Reception: June 21 | 6–10pm
Location: Rio Terà dei Biri o del Parsemolo, 5415, 30121 Venice, Italy
TEAM:
Curator: Alcinda Saphira
Coordinator: Louis Ventura, PhD
Producer: Liz Carvalho
Designer: Camila Crivelenti
Press Officer: Paula Ramagem
Organized by: Instituto Bienal Amazônia and Saphira Ventura Gallery
