Thonik at Venice Biennale

Events / Communication design

Thonik have designed the identity and graphics for this year's International Architecture Biennale in Venice, as well as two installations.

By Jeanne Tan /asdf 03-09-2008

The concept of the identity is 'based on a chain of globes, alternating with universally recognisable angular house shapes'.

The 11th International Architecture Biennale in Venice will be held from 14 September until 23 November 2008. The theme this year is entitled Out There: Architecture Beyond Building. Thonik, the Amsterdam-based studio for visual communication, was responsible for the identity and all graphic elements for the event. According to the designers, the design is a reference to the ornamentation and beauty of Venice. Additionally Thonik have also created two spatial installations in collaboration with biennale curator Aaron Betsky, who was a former director of the Netherlands Architecture Institute. Graphic Wall is situated in the Corderia and links 18 installations designed by renowned international architects. Graphic Tapestries is held in the Arsenale and comprises 16 hand-knotted wollen carpets, based on existing works of Thonik, which are dramatically suspended in this former shipyard.

Photography: Liz Hingley