Venice Architecture Biennale 2024-2025 Turkish Pavillion - Grounded
Planlux participated in the development of lighting scheme for Turkish Pavillion by IKSV in Venice Architecture Biennale 2025. The Turkish Pavilion has taken part in the International Architecture Exhibition since 2014.
This year the project called Yerebasan, curated by Ceren Erdem and Bilge Kalfa, will be exhibited in The Turkish Pavilion of the 19th Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibition, organized under the coordination of İKSV. The 19th edition of the Venice Biennale International Architecture Exhibitions, one of the most important architectural events of our time, will open its doors on May 10 this year. The lighting designer of the project will be Planlux. You can access the website with details about the project here.
Special thanks to IKSV team Rober Taşçı (Avolux) and Burak Çıkırık (Inventronics) for their valuable support.
Client IKSV
Location Venice
Year 2025
Photos Fatih Yılmaz
Located in the Sale d’armi building in the former Venetian Shipyard Arsenale, the Turkish Pavilion has been participating in the architecture biennial as well as the art biennial since 2014. This venue will host the Turkish Pavilion until 2034.
Illuminating the interior of a historic building is not merely a process of developing technical solutions; it is also a practice of respecting and engaging in dialogue with the spirit of the space. This project aimed to create a multi-layered atmosphere that blends the architectural texture of the past with contemporary technology. Lighting design was a critical component of this goal.
In a structure respectfully revitalized with a contemporary approach, lighting was positioned not merely as a visual necessity but as a carrier of spatial narrative. The atmosphere created by timber trusses, stone walls, and natural surface textures was interpreted through a layered lighting language enabled by the technological capabilities of Avolux and Inventronics.
The tracks fulfilled the primary requirement of being mounted without causing any damage to the existing structure. To create distinct lighting zones within the space, Avolux’s precision optical spotlights with 24 and 40 degrees provided visual depth and focal emphasis. Defining light accents on horizontal and vertical surfaces reveal the material texture of the building. Spotlights directed at the exhibition objects facilitate focus and create a dramatic contrast with the low lighting levels in the surrounding area.
These spotlights were enhanced with bluetooth-integrated driver systems developed by Inventronics, transforming the setup into a flexible and remotely controllable platform. The resulting lighting scenario offers a coherent blend of historical and contemporary elements, enriching the user’s experience through a multisensory spatial atmosphere.
This project made us rethink our entire design process. It was a clear example of how digital lighting systems—with integrated drivers, protocols, and software—are not just technical tools but essential parts of the creative process. From now on, we know we must integrate digital control strategies from the very beginning of our projects, shaping both form and experience more effectively.
Sustainability also played a central role. All luminaires were chosen for long-term use. They can be reset via software and reused in future projects over the next 10 years. This approach not only reduces waste but also supports the use of durable, high-quality, and healthy lighting equipment—something the lighting industry increasingly needs.
The lighting design in the Turkish Pavilion avoids spectacle. It does not overwhelm the space but instead creates a quiet atmosphere that lingers in the mind. It speaks softly—through emotion, texture, and precision—helping visitors reflect on what is hidden, forgotten, or yet to be seen.
This was not just a technical task, but a true collaboration—between curators, designers, manufacturers, and on-site teams. At Planlux, we are proud to have contributed to this unique experience where light became memory, and memory became space.
