Spain's pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale showcases 'Internalities: Architectures for Territorial Equilibrium,' a comprehensive exhibition exploring innovative strategies for decarbonizing architecture across the Spanish territory. Curated by Galician architects Roi Salgueiro Barrio and Manuel Bouzas Barcala, the exhibition presents 16 carefully selected projects that demonstrate Spain's commitment to sustainable construction practices and environmental responsibility.
The exhibition is organized by the General Secretariat of Urban Agenda, Housing and Architecture of the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda (MIVAU), in collaboration with Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AECID). This partnership underscores Spain's dedication to promoting architecture that maintains a close relationship with its territory and environment while addressing the urgent need for construction sector decarbonization.
Through an extensive open call process, 171 works were submitted for consideration, from which 16 projects were selected for display in the pavilion's central hall. An additional 16 projects were chosen for inclusion in the exhibition catalog. The distinguished jury comprised Secretary General of Urban Agenda, Housing and Architecture Iñaqui Carnicero, renowned architects Anna Bach, Eva Gil, and María Langarita, along with the two pavilion curators.
The selected projects represent the efforts of emerging studios in the Spanish architectural scene, showcasing work that demonstrates a strong commitment to ecological, environmental, and economic considerations. These projects particularly emphasize the use of sustainable materials including wood, stone, ceramics, earth, clays, and natural fibers, reflecting a deep connection to their respective territories and local resources.
The exhibition is structured around five fundamental axes for emission reduction: materials, trades, energies, waste, and emissions. These themes are explored in relation to five distinct regions of the Iberian Peninsula, creating a comprehensive overview of Spain's diverse architectural approaches to sustainability.
Among the featured projects are the University of Vigo Headquarters in Ribera del Berbés by Abalo Alonso Arquitectos, the Community Productive Development Center Las Tejedoras by Bamba Studio and Natura Futura, and the Nahinuena House by Bear. Other notable inclusions are the 6x6 Block by Bosch.Capdeferro Arquitectura, the Plaza and Tourist Point in Piodão by Branco Del Río Arquitectos, and the rehabilitation of an Agricultural Cooperative for a Multipurpose and Cultural Space in Flix by Camps Felips Arquitecturia.
Additional highlighted works include the House in Arteaga by Emiliano López Mónica Rivera Arquitectos, Social Housing 2104 by Harquitectes, the Loggia Baseliana Pavilion by Isla Architects, and the Fire Station in Molà by Josep Ferrando, Pedro García, Mar Puig, and Manel Casellas. The Mediterranean Gardens Park of La Hoya by KAUH Arquitectura y Paisajismo, Ca na Pau by Munarq, Raw Rooms Earth Houses (43 Social Housing units in Ibiza) by PerisToral Arquitectes, the restoration of the Hermitage of San Juan de Ruesta on the Camino de Santiago by Sebastián Arquitectos, 'The day after house' by TAKK, and Ca na Catalina i en Joan by TEdA Arquitectes complete the selection.
The Spanish pavilion joins other nations addressing climate crisis solutions at the 2025 Venice Biennale. Notable examples include the Bahrain Pavilion, which won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation for addressing extreme heat challenges in public spaces, the German Pavilion's immersive STRESSTEST installation, and the Bulgarian Pavilion's examination of paradoxes between Artificial Intelligence and sustainability.
The 2025 Venice Biennale has embraced sustainability initiatives beyond individual pavilions, including a full-scale prototype for incremental housing presented by Alejandro Aravena and ELEMENTAL architects. The entire event has been certified as carbon neutral under a comprehensive policy of dismantling, reuse, and minimizing the ecological footprint of all installations, setting a new standard for international architectural exhibitions.
