A party wall, in architectural terminology, refers to a structural element that is jointly utilized by neighboring properties. Essential building systems — such as electrical wiring and plumbing, along with insulation, ventilation, and fire safety — are frequently integrated within.
Homeowners may rarely reflect on these linkages. Yet, akin to any shared area, the party wall can emerge as a locus of cooperation or conflict.
So asserts Petra Kempf, an assistant professor of architecture and urban design at WashU’s Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Over the past two and a half years, Kempf has produced extensive drawings, 3D-printed prototypes, and an upcoming publication — collectively named “Party Wall Commons” — that delves into legal and spatial concepts surrounding ownership, solitude, and the essence of shared terrain.
“The party wall is frequently unnoticeable,” Kempf remarked. “But it possesses substantial influence. I seek to explore what insights it can provide regarding communal living. What possibilities could emerge from new infrastructural relationships?”
Future Climates
“Party Wall Commons” is among a select few WashU initiatives currently showcased at the Venice Architecture Biennale. This expansive festival, often regarded as the profession’s most esteemed event, features a central exhibition, 66 national showcases, and numerous supplementary displays.
Works by Seth Denizen, an assistant professor, and Montserrat Bonvehi Rosich, a visiting assistant professor, are highlighted in the primary exhibition, “Intelligens: Natural, Artificial and Collective.” Curated by Italian architect and engineer Carlo Ratti, and spanning locations in the Giardini della Biennale and the Arsenale, a historic shipyard, “Intelligens” investigates how architecture and urban planning are evolving in response to shifting environments.
“Three Landscape Essays: Mobile Ecosystems for Future Climates,” crafted by Denizen and Rosich in partnership with Spanish architects Lluís Alexandre Casanovas Blanco and Lys Villalba, confronts the challenge of establishing green spaces in arid, densely populated urban areas. Displayed in 2023 at the Conde Duque Contemporary Culture Center in Madrid, the initiative features three movable gardens, or “islands,” each embodying a unique landscape.
Equipped with wheels, these islands — which utilize various water-retention methods — can be relocated throughout a spacious courtyard while facilitating artistic endeavors spanning theater, dance, music, spoken word, and visual arts.
The Spanish Pavilion
Situated in the Giardini as well is the Spanish national pavilion, which features several connections to WashU.
Titled “Internalities: Architectures for Territorial Equilibrium,” the Spanish exhibition investigates the social and ecological ramifications tied to architectural creation. It comprises a central hall surrounded by five research rooms, each emphasizing a pertinent theme.
On display in the main hall are intricate models — produced by graduate students Lydia Roberts (MArch ’26) and Mason Burress (MArch ’25) — for “House in Arteaga,” a low-carbon dwelling completed in 2021 by then-faculty members Mónica Rivera and Emiliano López. Nestled on a gentle incline close to a broad estuary, the residence is elevated on limestone blocks to lessen its ecological impact. External solar shading, an HVAC heat recuperation system, and other efficiency strategies restrict energy consumption to below 1% of U.S. and European averages.
Additionally, senior lecturers Anna and Eugeni Bach curated the research hall focusing on “Labor.” Created in partnership with photographer Caterina Barjau, the exhibit explores methods for revitalizing local construction knowledge while reducing dependence on international technologies and supply chains.
Time Space Existence
Lastly, in the historic Palazzo Mora, Palazzo Bembo, and Marinaressa Gardens, is “Time Space Existence.” Organized by the European Cultural Center, this exhibition examines how architecture and design can function as catalysts for social and ecological restoration.
Alan Goldberg (BArch ’54), a long-time partner at Eliot Noyes & Associates (now AG|ENA Architects), has significantly contributed to the advancement of retail hydrogen fueling. “Prototype: Advanced Hydrogen Refueling Retail Center” aims to illustrate hydrogen’s promise as a clean, safe, and renewable energy solution.
Hydrogen automobiles, commonly referred to as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), operate on electricity. However, whereas other electric vehicles depend on batteries and external sources, …
“`html
Chargers, FCEVs utilize hydrogen fuel cells to generate their own electricity through a chemical reaction. Featuring a radial design in a park-like environment, Goldberg’s “station of the future” would produce hydrogen on-site, removing the necessity for transport and storage, while integrating dispensers, illumination, fire safety measures, signage, and various other systems into the structure’s framework.
Also showcased in “Time Space Existence” is Kempf’s “Party Wall Commons.” Expanding upon her earlier biennale submission, “Confronting Urbanization” (2021), this initiative explores the row house design, how it has been influenced by legal interpretations of ownership, and how novel ownership models might foster stewardship and caretaking.
Kempf’s exhibit incorporates a nearly fanciful symbolism. Umbrellas, submarines, giraffes, conveyor belts, and depictions of daily life adorn a wall-sized drawing and two printed models—all produced with the help of over a dozen graduate students. However, while the vision may appear utopian, Kempf asserts that the project is fully feasible.
“We have cat entrances. We have dog entrances. We have spaces designed for children,” she remarked. “We have systems for water collection and renewable forms of energy. We even have hydroponic agriculture and rooftop greenhouses. We estimate that party wall infrastructure could sustain multiple families.”
“Hannah Arendt referred to all society as gathering around a table,” Kempf added. “If we cease communication with one another, the table vanishes. ‘Party Wall Commons’ is my endeavor to reconnect individuals through the very items that separate us.”
“What might occur if I opened a door and invited my neighbor in?”
The Venice Architecture Biennale commenced on May 10 and will be on display until Nov. 23. For further details, visit labiennale.org.
The post WashU at the Venice Architecture Biennale appeared first on The Source.
“`