Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/315051
74 CULTURED The VENICE BIENNALE is one of the art world's most important and most anticipated events—but the architecture edition, which happens in the off-years of the art biennale, tends to fly a bit under the radar. The 14th International ARCHITECTURE Exhibition may change that, as it's directed by the brainiest starchitect of them all, REM KOOLHAAS. Here's a look at four of the groundbreaking firms who have a role in this year's Architecture Biennale, commencing June 7. BY TED LOOS The Vienna-based firm that is contributing a meditation on power to Austria's pavilion has become known for giv- ing bold, geometric form to its award-winning ideas. Although its provocative 1980s manifesto declared that "ar- chitecture must burn!" the principals definitely want to build real structures these days. They have done just that for the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, the Akron Art Museum in Ohio and the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where the firm has its major branch office. Under construction is the new Euro- pean Central Bank in Frankfurt, a torquing polygon-shaped tower of steel and glass that will further cement Coop Himmelb(l)au's reputation. COOP HIMMELB(L)AU PHOTO BY © DUCCIO MALAGAMBA Master Builders The Dalian Conference Center in Dalian, China, completed in 2012