Pope Francis Discusses Vision for Biennale Architettura 2025 with Matt Shaw

The 2025 Venice Biennale Architettura captivated global attention with its exploration of architecture’s role in environmental sustainability and climate change.

Under the curatorship of Carlo Ratti and shaped by the theme of “Intelligens,” the exhibition delved into three realms of intelligence: Natural, Artificial, and Collective.

Reviewer Matt Shaw reinterpreted the Biennale through the words of the late Pope Francis from his 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’.”

This perspective provided a critique of the event’s architectural innovation and an ethical commentary on humanity’s relationship with technology, culture, and the natural world.

Understanding “Intelligens”: Connecting Architecture with Sustainability

The 2025 Venice Biennale redefined how architectural innovation connects with ecological responsibility.

Curator Carlo Ratti’s framework, “Intelligens,” divides intelligence into three categories:

• Natural Intelligence: Projects emphasized coexistence with the environment and efficient resource use.
• Artificial Intelligence: Explored how technology can address modern problems, though not without criticism.
• Collective Intelligence: Focused on communities working together to tackle shared challenges creatively and inclusively.

Each facet highlighted how the built environment can help mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.

Natural Intelligence: Harmonizing with Our Planet

The Biennale emphasized natural intelligence—how architecture can support life without exploiting the planet.

Projects demonstrated how innovative design can use biomimicry, resource efficiency, and coexistence with non-human species.

These efforts reflect Pope Francis’s call in “Laudato Si'” to reconsider humanity’s place in creation.

He urges humility, balance, and respect for the interconnectedness of all life forms.

Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Innovation in Design

Artificial intelligence offered technological solutions, but the Biennale echoed Pope Francis’s caution about “blind confidence in technical solutions.”

AI-integrated buildings and algorithm-driven urban planning showcased advances in data-driven design.

Shaw’s review reminds us that technology must remain a tool, not a crutch.

Without addressing ethical questions—such as inequality, accessibility, and environmental justice—sustainable progress is not possible.

A Highlight of Cultural Preservation: The Holy See Pavilion

The Holy See’s pavilion, “Opera Aperta,” stood out within this year’s event.

It presented a renovation project that preserved cultural heritage while creating inclusive spaces for community engagement.

The pavilion demonstrated architecture that respects history while facing future challenges—a strong example of collective intelligence.

This project aligns with Francis’s perspective on preserving human dignity and cultural identity during times of change.

“Opera Aperta” highlighted architecture’s role as a medium for human connection.

Ethical Reflection: Architecture Beyond Problem-Solving

The 2025 Biennale maintained aesthetics and artistry while addressing global challenges.

The event avoided reducing architecture to problem-solving, preserving its creative and expressive nature.

Conclusion: Bridging Architecture and Ethics

The 2025 Venice Biennale Architettura was a landmark event that did more than showcase cutting-edge designs. It sparked a deeper dialogue about architecture’s ethical responsibility in facing global ecological challenges.

The Biennale explored intelligence in its natural, artificial, and collective forms. It highlighted that true sustainability involves cultural and spiritual transformation along with material solutions.

Matt Shaw reviewed the event through the lens of Pope Francis’s “Laudato Si’.” This perspective added a thoughtful dimension to the Biennale’s discussions.

The architecture community is left to consider an important question. Can innovation work together with moral responsibility and care for the Earth?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Matt Shaw interviews Pope Francis about the Biennale Architettura 2025