Søren Pihlmann transforms Danish Pavilion into construction site at Venice Architecture Biennale

The Danish Pavilion at this year's Venice Architecture Biennale takes the form of a construction site, unveiled exclusively as part of a day of online pavilion openings.

Build of Site showcases real-time renovation works curator and architect Søren Pihlmann is carrying out to improve the pavilion, built in the late 1950s by Danish architect Peter Koch.

By drawing and paying "attention to what we already have" in this way, Pihlmann hopes to demonstrate the value of renovation and reuse in architecture.

"First and foremost [our goal was] to leave the pavilion in a better state than we found it," Pihlmann told Dezeen.

"At our practice, we strive to work with what is already at hand, exploring its potential and adding only what is necessary to fulfil it," he continued.

"So when we developed the curatorial concept for the exhibition, which often differs from building a piece of architecture, it felt natural for us to approach it as we always do: by making the exhibition itself a piece of construction. One that takes care of the pavilion as it stands, playfully investigating its overlooked potentials."

According to Pihlmann, the founder of Pihlmann Architects, renovation works were overdue at the pavilion, leaving it susceptible to recurring flooding.

However, the timeframe between the biennales means pavilions are in almost constant use, leaving little time to carry out these works. As an architect, he felt it an obligation to use the event as an opportunity to carry out the update himself.

"One of the things that is a real challenge, and the pavilions who have renovated in recent years will understand this, is that the schedule for the biennale – the art and architecture exhibitions – means that the building has very little down time in which this kind of work can take place," Pihlmann said.

"So our view was to bring our expertise as an architectural firm to this opportunity that would leave a lasting impact while also serving as a living laboratory for people to explore and learn about how we approach architecture in new ways."

According to Pihlmann, the most urgent improvement being made to the Danish Pavilion is the upgrade to its floors.

The team has also tackled issues surface damage, high humidity, the absence of heating and electrical installations, as well as poor internet connectivity – problems he said "make it difficult to create contemporary art and architecture exhibitions".

Alongside these updates, the team has also used materials salvaged during the renovation works to create podiums, benches and tables for the pavilion, showing the potential of existing materials.

Among the highlights is a tabletop made from soil under the pavilion mixed with waste gelatine sourced from the fishing industry in the Adriatic Sea.

"We have tried to bring an element of what a traditional 'exhibition' would include in the way we have displayed the materials we uncovered onsite," said Pihlmann.

"Creating exhibition elements such as benches and tables with existing materials was a study all in itself."

Completing the pavilion is a film by the Louisiana Channel, which captures the development of the Build of Site project over the last two years.

There are also exhibits of prototypes, studies, and background information carried out for the renovation work.

"It is a chance to experience the raw richness and potential that we often overlook, hidden behind the polished surfaces we are so used to seeing," concluded Pihlmann.

"Taking care of an existing building is far more interesting. and meaningful, than building a new one," he continued. "Architecture's future might lie not in constant expansion, but in attention to what we already have."

This year's Venice Architecture Biennale has been curated by architect Carlo Ratti. In a recent interview, he told Dezeen this year's event will be focused on people and the climate.

"I would say this is a people-focused biennale, because, no doubt, the climate is one of the biggest challenges we all face as people," he told Dezeen.

The photography is by Hampus Berndtson.

The Venice Architecture Biennale takes place from 10 May and 23 November 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for all the latest information you need to know to attend the event, as well as a list of other architecture and design events taking place around the world.

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