The winner of the 2021 Golden Lion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Wetland showcases sabkha (the Arabic word for ‘salt flat’) as a viable concrete alternative that absorbs rather than emits CO2. A collaboration between the UAE, Tokyo University, New York University, and Abu Dhabi American University of Sharjah, Wetland sources sabkha from industrial waste and turns it into 2,400 locally produced concrete modules. Paying homage to the vernacular architecture of the UAE, the exhibition highlights the tension and urgency to find sustainable solutions for nature and modernity to coexist. 

PLANE–SITE was the official media producer for the United Arab Emirates contribution to the 17th Architecture Biennale in Venice Italy. We were responsible for all exhibition photography, videography, and audio visual support during the opening events. PLANE–SITE also produced an immersive 3D guided tour, and multiple video assets with general highlights of the exhibition, a guided tour with the curator, and an overview of inauguration events.