2016 Venice Architecture Biennale Scotland + Venice 2016

Invitation for proposal from teams for Scotland + Venice 201626 May – 27 November 2016

1 IntroductionThe Scotland + Venice partners are delighted to confirm that a Scottish project will take place in Venice during the 2016 Venice Biennale. This is an exciting opportunity for architects and teams from Scotland to engage with one of the most prestigious international showcases for architecture in the world.

The Scotland + Venice partners invite proposals for a team to develop an integral curatorial and design proposal and delivery of the project. This team might include an architect, a designer and other interested parties. The team must cover all of the skills required, with one person as a project lead.

The dates of the Biennale are 26 May – 27 November. Scotland’s contribution to the Biennale will run for one month from the preview date of 26 May 2016.

2 Background Since 2010 a Scotland + Venice partnership between the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and the British Council Scotland has overseen the curation of Scotland’s involvement at the Biennale. For the Venice Architectural Biennale 2016 Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) will join the partners. A&DS will provide additional curatorial input, project management support and marketing expertise on behalf of the Scotland + Venice partners.

The Scotland + Venice brand has been developed to ensure consistency between projects and to provide a clear identity for the Biennale projects moving forward. The partners operate as the project commissioners and they select a curator/curatorial partner and team to work with them in achieving the successful delivery of the project.

Following on, or concurrently with the Biennale, it is planned that the outcomes from the project will be presented in Scotland as part 2016 the year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and the Festival of Architecture.

Key objectives for the Scotland + Venice 2016 project are: to reflect the contribution of architecture and place making to improving

the quality of life for individuals and communities to showcase existing exemplary Scottish projects that engage with people,

support communities and make a difference to increase domestic and international interest and awareness in

Scotland’s 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and Festival of Architecture

to act as a development opportunity for architects and curators at all stages in their career, from emerging voices to more established practices

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to showcase Scotland’s architecture and architectural talent on a world stage

to reflect architecture as a priority within Scottish culture and creative industries

3 Context and content2016 Venice Architectural Biennale 2016 – Reporting from the FrontThe 2016 Biennale Director, Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, has a background in social housing projects with an emphasis on participative design and community empowerment and action.

Aravena’s theme of Reporting from the Front sets out the intention of the 2016 Biennale as ‘what is it like to improve the quality of life while working on the margins, under tough circumstances, facing pressing challenges? Or what does it take to be on the cutting edge trying to conquer new fields?’

http://www.labiennale.org/en/architecture/exhibition/aravena.html

The theme is interested in how architecture can introduce a broader notion of gain: design as added value instead of an extra cost or architecture as a shortcut towards equality.

Based on Aravena’s brief, the Scotland + Venice partnership wishes to focus on wellbeing and social equality through architecture and design. Scotland’s contribution to the Biennale is expected to include relevant developments in understanding the links between architecture, place making and the quality of life in Scotland. This may be in relation to issues such as addressing health inequalities, community-led action, or participative and collaborative processes. Health (wellbeing and wellness) in particular is an important issue in Scotland and the partners are keen to use the Biennale presence to highlight this as a key ‘national conversation’ in Venice and also in Scotland.

The proposal should look at those in Scotland who are achieving or attempting to achieve this - professionals and non-professionals, private or public sectors or a combination. We are interesting in ideas around place making and engagement projects that have or are highlighted issues and developments that have work towards making Scotland a place of activity – whether through action to achieve or in more literal terms, places where activity occurs.

Ideas of approach are open and may consider whether this can be achieved through one project in depth or several projects that present a variety of ideas and approaches. Regardless of approach the proposal must deal with exemplar projects that help towards informing what is happening in Scotland and also how these projects help support future thinking and developments.

4 The three +’sIn addition to the key objectives above, the Scotland + Venice partners are particularly interested in:

building on the two previous Scotland + Venice projects by generating a positive reception to the work nationally and internationally and a high public/press profile within Scotland and the UK

developing a strong project legacy with potential for further presentation and exhibition in Scotland and internationally and through digital media

catalyzing a wide conversation in Scotland about the social value of good design

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There are three key aspects to the project. To develop the project each must be taken into account when considering the submission.

Scotland + Venice4a In previous years Scottish projects have been involved in the Arsenale show (2004), as a collateral event (2008) and as independent events (2010, 2012 and 2014). For the Venice Architectural Biennale 2016 Scotland will become a Collateral Event within the Biennale. This allows Scotland to have a more formal connection particularly related to promotion, communications and catalogue.

Submissions are sought from a team that provides a strong curatorial narrative to the Biennale theme Reporting from the Front and the Scotland + Venice response to this. As it is aimed at a broad audience - professionals and non professionals - the narrative approach must be delivered in an imaginative and accessible manner and the content, design and graphics must reflect this while making the subject stimulating and interesting.

4b Venice + Scotland What is brought back from Venice is as important as what is taken to Venice. The legacy from Venice is an aspect to be considered. Given the theme, the Biennale should be taken as a place to carry out action research to explored and inform on models used in other countries and the applicability to Scotland. The three most recent Scottish projects in Venice have adopted an approach that creates dialogue and activity in Venice. The Scotland + Venice partners are keen to continue this distinctive approach providing a base from which this action research can be carried out.

The team will be responsible for the action research in Venice and its collation and presentation for Scotland. The action research will take place over the time that the project is in Venice. How it is carried out is open. We would like the to team to have 2 people dedicated to staying for the duration of the project and also be responsible for the invigilation and maintenance of the project.

4c Scotland + Scotland An outcome that will provide positive links to Scotland’s 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and Festival of Architecture is a key outcome. Scotland + Venice’s presence in Scotland is as important as what happens in Venice. In Venice Scotland’s story will be told internationally and the project will also be shown within Scotland nationally to give information on the innovative, creative and practicalities of the projects, open up collaborations and partnerships and provide resources for others in Scotland. This will include the action research carried out in Venice. The project will tour to at least three venues in Scotland and a series of aligned activities will be developed.

The team will need to collate and present the action research as an integral part of the project to take back to Scotland, however the delivery in Scotland of the tour and aligned activities are not part of this submission.

5 Venue The venue for Scotland will be the Ludoteca Santa Maria Ausiliatrice. The Ludoteca is a former convent now used as a community centre. The spaces used comprise the former chapel (termed as church on the plan) as well as a complement of contemporary rooms. For the purpose of this tender please consider the church area marked on the plan. The area is 16,934 mm x 8,700 mm but please take into account the step plinth at the front altar and the two columns

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Situated midway between the main Biennale Giardini and Arsenale sites the Ludoteca is on Fondamenta San Gioacchino. Just off the wide Via Garibaldi, it is very accessible and easy to find.

Please refer to map, images and plan at the end of the document.

ConstructionGiven that it will be built in situ in both Venice and Scotland we are looking for simple small scale structure that is beautifully considered with an easy method of construction and is flexible and durable enough to be accommodated in different venues. As it will be small-scale how the content is presented is a key consideration.

MaterialsAn important consideration is that all materials and structure must be handled manually therefore the weight of each element is extremely important. The proposal should have a sustainable agenda ie. reusable/ recyclable system and/or sustainable materials. There should be an exit strategy for the exhibition structure so it can either have a life after the exhibition or usefully recycled.

Transport etcWe are asking for small-scale structures these must be fully demountable so that transport size is kept to a minimum, therefore weight, crating and install/demount are very much part of any design proposal.

SiteThe Ludoteca must be returned to its original condition, therefore absolute care must be taken in how elements touch the floor. Access for delivery into the Ludoteca and ease of movement around the structure will also need to be considered.

SecurityThe space will be invigilated by those carrying out the action research during the day and can be secured at night. Any AV equipment must be fully secured in place.

AV equipmentIt will depend on the concept of the design if and how audio-visual equipment is utilised. A&DS has a range of Audio Visual equipment available for exhibition purposes. A full list can be supplied on request.

CopyrightThe copyright of the final exhibition design and graphics will be assigned to the Scotland + Venice partners. Copies of the final graphic design files are to be provided to A&DS.

Copyright and permissions for use must be in place for all images used.

6 RolesA&DS will co-curate with the appointed co-curator and their team. In collaboration with the Scotland + Venice partnership the appointed team will be required broadly to:Curatorial

develop with A&DS a curatorial vision and narrative research and development of the theme develop an integral curatorial and design proposition write, produce or source all material and content

Design

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design project identity produce detailed design of any structure graphic design of all graphics including (but not limited to) captions and introduction graphic design for all promotional materials: e.g. marketing, invitation and poster,

activity and a website resource adhering to any Branding Guidelines

Action Research carry out action research and invigilation in Venice and its collation and

presentation for Scotland

Organisational plan, programme, tender for best value and implement all tasks and resources

associated with the production and implementation of the structure and graphics organise the appointment and oversee contractors to implement any structure and

graphics liaise with other professionals (if appointed) as required - e.g. photographer, film

maker. arrange and oversee transport to and from Venice co-manage installation and demount liaise with A&DS Communications Manager work to the agreed exhibition schedule and meet key deadlines liaise with A&DS Project Manager, and attend as many meetings as reasonably

required ensure full compliance with all Health and Safety Regulations

The Scotland + Venice partners through A&DS will provide: co-curation overall project management support with install and demount administrative support publicity and marketing Venice co-ordination organisation of venue hire support with sponsorship make links to the wider 2016 programme oversee 4c Scotland + Scotland*

* The tour in Scotland (it’s organisation and budget) and any aligned activities will be dealt with on the return to Scotland.

A more in depth list will be issued on contract.

7 Budget The budget is limited so innovative and low cost ideas are paramount. Sponsorship should be considered which A&DS will offer help towards sourcing.

7a Submissions will be judged on the quality of the creative response to the brief but should be deliverable within an indicative budget of £62,000 incl. of VAT. This is expected to be a comprehensive project budget covering all costs including:

professional team fees (curatorial, design etc) fees for research / invigilation (carried out at the same time) project development and research image and copyright costs all print including marketing all materials and production costs (including film making) AV equipment (if not on A&DS list)

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crating, install and demount transport and insurance to and from Venice action research in Venice and collation and presentation of research for

Scotland invigilation in Venice all team expenses - travel, accommodation and subsistance development of website content

7b This budget does not cover and will be met by the partners: Collateral Events fees venue hire ground support in Venice insurance in Venice legal costs in Venice documentation of project marketing cost (not print) opening event general hospitality A&DS and partners costs any tour and activities costs associated with Scotland + Scotland

8 Submission requirementsSubmissions are sought from a team that provides a strong curatorial narrative to the Biennale theme Reporting from the Front and the Scotland + Venice response to this. The narrative approach must be delivered in an imaginative and accessible manner.

Due to the complexity of delivering events and exhibitions in Venice, consideration should be given as to how the project will be produced and presented. Consideration should be given to how the project proposals will be delivered and how the public will engage in the proposals.

Submissions proposals are required to include: A clear curatorial narrative statement indicating what specific aspect and

approach to the Biennale theme will be taken and how this will be researched and developed

Based on the curatorial proposition visual ideas of how Scotland + Venice could be presented *

Outline information on proposed means of carrying out action research in Venice

A budget breakdown of the £62,000 incl. of VAT to include areas in 7a above

The name of the lead person who will take responsibility for the project and details of key members of the team that will be involved in the project and their specific roles within the project

Confirmation that teams will provide all co-curatorial, design, production, action research and invigilation and that this team will be responsible for the delivery of the project within agreed resources.

Supporting documentation on the delivery of any relevant projects previously delivered

* please note the partners are not asking for the presentation of full design proposals at this stage rather we require an indication of how the team might present the final project in an imaginative and accessible way. We appreciate the proposal cannot be fully described until the theme has been developed.

Tender Selection CriteriaThe following criteria will be used to assess the received tenders:

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1. Curatorial approach - weighting 25%2. Presentation approach - weighting 20%3. Experience and team - weighting 20%4. Fee - weighting 25%5. Interview - weighting 10%

Submissions sent: By 12 noon Tuesday 20 October 2015Shortlisted Interviews (if required): Thursday 22 October 2015

Selection will be made by consideration of the submitted tender documents as outlined above plus shortlisted interviews. A+DS does not undertake to accept any tender submitted and reserves the right to negotiate for appropriate modifications.

Submissions should be concise documents, with no more than 12 A4 or A3 sheets. Please make sure all contact details are included. Submissions of x 3 hard copies and an electronically in PDF format to be received by By 12 noon on Tuesday 20 October 2015 .

Hard copies should be delivered to:Morag BainArchitecture and Design ScotlandThe Lighthouse 11 Mitchell LaneGlasgow G1 3NU

An electronic copy of the submission should be sent to: contracts@ads.org.uk

QueriesAny questions should be submitted to contracts@ads.org.uk 17.00 on Thursday 15 October 2015. Any questions and our answers will be shared with all prospective bidders by 17:00 on Friday 16 October 2015.

Submissions will be judged by the Scotland + Venice Partners and guest judges. Applicants must be available on Thursday 22 October for interviews if shortlisted.

Judges are:Morag Bain, Architecture and Design ScotlandIan Gilzean, Chief Architect, Planning and Architecture Division, Scottish GovernmentHelena Ward, Senior Creative Industries Executive, Creative ScotlandFourth judge tbc

The submission date for Collateral Events is the 30 October therefore we anticipate the time between selection and that date to be a point of concentrated discussion and development.

8 Key datesSubmissions in  / 12.00 noon Tuesday 20 October 2015Judging / Wednesday 21 October 2015Shortlist Interviews  / Thursday 22 October 2015Research and Development for Collateral Events submission / 23 - 27 October 2015Writing statement and translation into Italian for Collateral Events submission / 28 – 29 October 2015Research and Development / November 2015 – March 2016Detailed project submission / 15 March 2016Production / April – May 2016

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Install dates / 22 – 25 May 2016Biennale preview dates / 26 and 27 May 2016Open / 28 May – 18 June 2015 (depending on venue cost this may extend by a few days)Demount / 19 + 20 June 2016 Biennale dates 28 May / 27 November 2016

9 Scotland + Venice further informationThe Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the most prestigious architectural events in the world. It has remained at the forefront in the research and promotion of current practice and new ideas. Today, the Venice Biennale captures a multitude of interest from around the globe and attracts over 370,000 international visitors.

Since 2004 Scotland has presented five diverse projects at the Venice Architecture Biennale. In that year the Landforms exhibition presented developments in Scottish architecture since the establishment of Scotland’s devolved government in 1999. In 2008 A Gathering Place, a large-scale timber staircase designed by Gareth Hoskins, provided a temporary public forum for debate and discussion.

NVA’s To Have and to Hold in 2010 enabled a high level of international engagement and influenced the decision-making process regarding the future of St Peter’s Seminary in Cardross. This event marked a step change in developing a strong and distinctive Scottish presence and the many potential benefits through an engagement-based approach rather than pre-prepared exhibitions.

In 2012, for Critical Dialogues, four Glasgow-based practices created a Scottish ‘studio’ in Venice to explore the social role of the architect and the creative boundaries of architecture. The 2014 Biennale, Past + Future, saw four groups research modernity in Scotland and continue the event-based approach that is establishing itself as the hallmark of a distinctive Scottish presence in Venice and the curation overseen during the Biennale on Architecture.

Venue / Ludoteca Santa Maria Ausiliatrice

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Situated midway between the main Biennale Giardini and Arsenale sites the Ludoteca is on Fondamenta San Gioacchino. Just off the wide Via Garibaldi it is very accessible and easy to find.

Ludoteca external

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Ludoteca showing position on canal

Interior used as studio space for Critical Dialogues 2012

The film Land Works from the Scotland + Venice submission to the Biennale 2014 Past + Future gives an over view of the space.

https://vimeo.com/album/3426867/video/130199865

Plan

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