FOREWORD
Featuring distinct projects under the themes of Regenerate. Innovate. Preserve, the Pavilion explores the challenges faced by the #GENS and how they overcame them through collective strength — reflected in the architectural forms on display.
In its debut participation, the Azerbaijan Pavilion invites visitors to explore designs that embody a powerful fusion of cultural heritage, modernism, and sustainability.
EXHIBITS
The exhibition, curated by Nigar Gardashkhanova, takes inspiration from the theme Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective, proposed by Carlo Ratti, Curator of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition. Fitting with the approach, the Pavilion highlights a selection of projects under each theme that emphasise how traditional values, combined with modern, sustainable practices, can create a harmonious balance between the past and the future, promoting a greener, more connected world for everyone.
BAKU WHITE CITY
For more than a century, since the 1870s, the centre of Baku Bay has been a focal point for the refining, storage and transportation of oil. This resource, a gift of nature and also known as 'black gold,' spurred a major economic boom for the country, creating countless opportunities for prosperity. As a result of its pivotal role in industrial activities, this area, an integral part of Baku, became known as 'Black City'. This continued throughout the 20th century, especially during the period when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union.
Patterns of Azerbaijan
VICTORY PARK
Victory Park symbolizes the strength, resilience and unity of the Azerbaijani people, and it stands as a tribute to the soldiers who fought for the restoration of their country's territorial integrity. The park’s design blends modern architectural elements with traditional motifs, creating a powerful symbol of national pride and victory.
ZANGILAN MOSQUE
Located in the southern part of Karabakh, Zangilan is one of the most breathtaking sites in Azerbaijan, almost a living work of art, with its lush forests, flowing rivers and important architectural monuments. This restoration effort is part of a larger project revitalizing the liberated territories of Karabakh. Significant resources have been dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and rebuilding sustainable infrastructure.
INVITED ARTIST
Novruz Mammadov (Salyan, 1986), an invited artist, is a sculptor and art director with a degree in Sculpture from the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts. He has served as Art Director at TSEKH LLC and Baku Creative Centre. Mammadov's works have been exhibited internationally, including at Chelebi Fight (2014) in Paris and Davos, and Together We Are (2014) in Türkiye, Greece, France, and Switzerland. He also participated in the Aluminium IV International Biennale (2012) in Azerbaijan and the Stone Sculpture Symposium (2012) in Türkiye. His art blends traditional Azerbaijani culture with contemporary practices.
MUGHAM TRIO
Novruz Mammadov, as an invited artist, exhibits an installation titled Mugham Trio in the courtyard of the exhibition area. This work reflects the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan while drawing inspiration from the natural environment, creating a harmonious dialogue between tradition and nature.
VENUE
Arsenale, Campo della Tana,
Castello 2127/A
