Exploring Ecotones: A Sound-Based Journey at the Venice Biennale

The Luxembourg Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition titled "Ecotones: Investigating Sounds and Territories," which emphasizes the importance of sound in understanding environmental transformations. Scheduled to run from May 10 to November 23, 2025, this innovative project invites visitors to engage in a sensory experience that shifts focus from visual to auditory.

According to the curatorial team, which includes Valentin Bansac, Mike Fritsch, and Alice Loumeau, the installation, named "Sonic Investigations," challenges the dominance of visual representation in contemporary art and architecture. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the climate crisis, which can be interpreted as a crisis of sensory perception. The exhibition aims to foster new perspectives on our interaction with both anthropic and natural ecosystems through the act of listening.

The term "ecotone"—referring to transitional spaces between ecosystems—serves as a central theme in the exhibition, encouraging exploration of the boundaries between various territories and the interconnections among urban patterns, natural balances, and political divides. As noted by Dr. Shannon Mattern, Professor of Media Studies at The New School and a contributor to the exhibition, sound becomes a vital tool for investigating the complexities of our environment, allowing for a deeper understanding of the underlying issues affecting ecological systems today.

The exhibition will include a volume published by Spector Books that complements the sound installation, featuring contributions from a diverse group of authors including David George Haskell, Philip Samartzis, and Emma McCormick Goodhart. These contributors explore themes such as the vocality of non-human entities and the significance of field recordings in mapping the world’s fault lines.

In addition to the installation, the pavilion will host public events, including performances and interactive exercises led by sound artists and researchers. For instance, Gaia Ginevra Giorgi will conduct a residency titled "Ecotongues," which examines the relationship between human and more-than-human entities through sound. These events will facilitate a dialogue between the pavilion's space and the local Venetian lagoon, further enhancing the immersive experience.

The Luxembourg Pavilion's initiative aligns with broader discussions in the fields of architecture and environmental studies, as articulated by Dr. Tim Ingold, Professor of Social Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen, who emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to understanding our environment. He states, "Listening allows us to engage with ecosystems in a manner that visual observation cannot replicate, revealing the intricate relationships that define our world."

As the Venice Biennale prepares to host this unique exhibition, it stands as a testament to the evolving discourse surrounding environmental consciousness and the role of art in shaping our perceptions. By prioritizing sound as a medium of exploration, "Ecotones: Investigating Sounds and Territories" promises to offer a fresh lens through which to examine the pressing ecological challenges of our time.

In conclusion, the Luxembourg Pavilion at the Venice Biennale is not merely showcasing an art installation; it is initiating a conversation about the future of our planet. As attendees engage with the sounds of different environments, they will be encouraged to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider new ways of interacting with the world around them. This exhibition could pave the way for more immersive and sensory-based art forms that challenge traditional narratives and perspectives on environmental issues.