A New Vision for Architecture: Climate, AI, and teh Biosphere

The venice Architecture Biennial 2025 has officially opened its doors, showcasing groundbreaking designs and concepts that grapple with the pressing issues of our time. This year’s central themes revolve around the intersection of climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and the built environment, presenting a diverse range of perspectives on how architecture can contribute to a more sustainable and intelligent future.

Belgian Innovation: plants as Natural Air Conditioners

Among the standout exhibits is a captivating installation from Belgium, dubbed the air conditioning of plants. This innovative project explores the potential of integrating vegetation into building design to naturally regulate temperature and improve air quality.As urban heat islands become increasingly prevalent, with some cities experiencing temperatures up to 7°C higher than surrounding rural areas (according to a recent UN report), this approach offers a promising option to energy-intensive cooling systems.

Bas Smets’ Intelligent Landscapes: Nature’s Dialog with AI

Renowned landscape architect Bas smets is presenting his vision of intelligent nature at the Biennial. His work demonstrates how AI can be used to understand and enhance natural systems, creating landscapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and ecologically functional. Smets’ exhibit highlights the potential for AI to optimize irrigation, monitor plant health, and even predict the impact of climate change on urban green spaces. this approach aligns with the growing trend of incorporating biophilic design principles into architecture,which aims to connect building occupants more closely with the natural world.

“We need to move beyond simply adding green spaces to cities and start designing landscapes that actively contribute to the health and well-being of both people and the planet.”

Bas Smets, Landscape Architect

Building Biospheres: A Dialogue Between Designers

The Biennial also features an expo titled Designers in Dialogue with Building Biospheres, fostering a collaborative environment where architects, engineers, and scientists can exchange ideas and explore new approaches to sustainable building design. This collaborative spirit is crucial for addressing the complex challenges of climate change and urbanization. The expo showcases projects that integrate natural systems into the built environment, creating self-sustaining ecosystems within buildings and urban landscapes.

Experimentation in Venice: Climate Control Thru Plants

Furthering the theme of nature-based solutions, several exhibits at the Biennial explore the use of plants as climate control mechanisms. These experiments range from green roofs and walls that reduce building energy consumption to innovative vertical farms that provide locally sourced food while improving air quality. These projects demonstrate the potential for architecture to not only mitigate the negative impacts of climate change but also to actively contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. The focus on plants as climate controls underscores a shift towards regenerative design principles, where buildings are designed to enhance the environment rather than simply minimize their impact.