In conversation with Paul Preissner

Meet Paul Preissner, one of the two curators of the exhibition American Framing at the U.S. Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia.

About American Framing

Originating in the early 19th century, softwood construction was a pragmatic solution to a need for an accessible building system among settlers with limited wealth, technical skills, and building traditions. It has been the dominant construction system ever since—more than 90% of new homes in the U.S. today are wood framed. The accessibility that shaped its early development continues to influence contemporary life and reflect democratic ideals in subtle, but powerful ways.
The exhibition presents the subject of wood framing in a collection of works throughout the galleries and grounds of the U.S. Pavilion expressing the sublime and profound aesthetic power of a structural method that underlies most buildings in the United States. The works within the exhibition tell the story of an American architectural project that is bored with tradition, eager to choose economy over technical skill, and accepting of a relaxed idea of craft in the pursuit of something useful and new.

Find out more about the exhibition

PLEASE NOTE

• This activity is reserved to corporate members' employees
• The event is in English and lasts approx. 45 minutes
• It takes place on the Zoom platform

If you are a corporate member’s employee and would like to join, please email corporate@guggenheim-venice.it