The Venice Architecture Biennial kicks off on August 29 and runs though November 25. This year's theme for the show, directed by architect David Chipperfield, is "common ground." Venice-based lighting design house Foscarini will be supporting this year's for the fifth consecutive year.



Throughout the festival's indoor and outdoor spaces, Foscarini installations will explore the architectural function of light in different environments. Foscarini will display the architectural function of its lamps as an instrument for molding spaces, constructing sets, defining the character of both private and public environments.



The Foscarini Relax area, on the second floor of the bookshop, is characterized by a special layout. On the walls, graphics tell of the role played by Foscarini lamps in the world of design where they become the main ingredient for the transformation of public spaces, due to the flexibility of use and character of a collection that spans over 50 models in 30 different materials.



As a final touch, between the two floors of the bookshop, there is a spectacular set composed of 10 Plass lamps, the majestic and fascinating hanging lights designed by Luca Nichetto - a reminder of and homage to the Murano glass tradition and the Venetian artisans, reinterpreted through contemporary materials and techniques.



Another Venice-based company, Rubelli, will pay hommage to Gio Ponti with its exhibit "Vivere alla Ponti," which will showcase "experiments in domestic life and architecture for living and working." The exhibit, located at the Venice-based company's headquarters, will be open Monday through Friday from August 27-September 28.



On Tuesday, August 28, there will be a conversation between Fulvio Irace, an architectural historian, Rubelli CEO Nicolo Favaretto Rubelli, and Francesca Molteni.