Concept Proposal for the Icelandic Pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia 2027
Iceland Design and Architecture (Miðstöð hönnunar og arkitektúrs) invites proposals for the Icelandic Pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, which will take place from 8. May to 21. November 2027. This marks the second time Iceland participates through an open call.
The call is open to interdisciplinary teams with connection to and understanding of Icelandic architecture, as well as experience in communication, design, and the development of diverse creative projects. Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.
The call seeks a strong and bold exhibition concept for the Icelandic Pavilion in 2027—one that inspires and captures attention while remaining realistic and feasible.
The exhibition is expected to articulate the core concerns and contributions of Icelandic architecture, and its dialogue with international currents and discourse. It should demonstrate ingenuity, creativity, and critical engagement with the built environment, offering perspectives that respond meaningfully to the challenges of the future.
The exhibition is intended to appeal to a broad audience, offering inspiration and encouraging reflection, while highlighting Icelandic conditions, challenges, and solutions through the lens of architecture and the built environment.
The Biennale Architettura
The Biennale Architettura is one of the world’s most significant international architecture exhibitions. It addresses forward-looking themes in architecture, urbanism, and societal challenges, and attracts approximately 300,000 visitors. Iceland participated in the Biennale Architettura for the first time through an open call in 2025. The exhibition Lavaforming was selected as Iceland’s contribution and attracted significant international attention.
Iceland Design and Architecture oversees and bears responsibility for the overall delivery of the project on behalf of The Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education in Iceland.
Two stag Selection Process
Proposals will be selected through an open call and a two-stage application process, overseen by the project’s Steering Committee.
In the first stage, applicants are asked to submit a conceptual approach to the exhibition along with a simple visual presentation.
In the second stage, three to four teams will be invited to present their proposals to the Steering Committee. Following these presentations, one team will be selected and commissioned to develop and realize the Icelandic Pavilion at Biennale Architettura 2027.
Open call
The submission period is open from 18. December 2025 to 30. January 2026.
Further details on the application process can be found here.
Applicants may submit questions regarding the selection process until 12. January 2026 via email at icelandicpavilion@honnunarmidstod.is. All questions and answers will be published on the website of Iceland Design and Architecture on 14. January.
