Futures

Exploring Cultural Heritage Through AI: Armenia’s Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2025, (from page 20251109.)

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Summary

At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice 2025, Armenia showcases “Microarchitecture Through AI: Making New Memories with Ancient Monuments,” focusing on cultural heritage challenges like climate change and neglect. Curated by Marianna Karapetyan, the exhibition features specialists from digital innovation and architecture, including TUMO and Electric Architects. A generative AI model creates new spatial compositions based on the Armenian Heritage Scanning Project, translating digital designs into carved tuff stone. This process emphasizes a dialogue between technology and traditional materials, questioning authorship and the nature of cultural identity. The pavilion advocates for a dynamic preservation approach, allowing reinterpretation over time. It contributes to a broader discourse on the role of technology in cultural heritage alongside other participating pavilions addressing themes like ecocide and sustainability.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
AI in Cultural Preservation Emerging use of AI technologies to reinterpret and preserve cultural heritage. Transition from traditional preservation methods to AI-assisted reinterpretation and documentation. AI technologies may lead to revitalized cultural identities and new forms of heritage expression. The increasing threat to cultural heritage from climate change, conflict, and neglect necessitates innovative solutions. 5
Dynamic Cultural Memory Shift towards viewing cultural memory as a dynamic, adaptable entity. From fixed historical interpretations towards a more fluid and evolving representation of culture. Cultural heritage may become more inclusive and representational of diverse narratives through reinterpretation. The desire to keep cultural heritage relevant amid changing environmental and socio-political landscapes. 4
Integration of Technology and Tradition Collaborative efforts to blend traditional architectural practices with digital innovations. Integration from purely traditional techniques to incorporating digital tools in creative processes. Architectural practices may evolve to seamlessly incorporate new technologies while honoring traditions. The need for preservation techniques that are sustainable and forward-thinking in an era of rapid technological advancement. 4
Ecological Awareness in Architecture Growing focus on ecocide and environmental healing in architectural design. Shift from conventional design approaches to ecologically mindful architecture addressing environmental crises. Architecture may increasingly prioritize sustainability and ecological balance in response to climate challenges. Awareness of environmental degradation and its impact on cultural practices and livability. 4
Redefinition of Authorship in Art and Architecture Exploring new authorship concepts as AI-generated outputs challenge traditional notions. From human-centric authorship models to collaborative approaches involving AI as a creative partner. The concept of authorship in art and architecture may be fundamentally redefined to include AI participation. Technological advancements in AI necessitate reassessment of creative ownership and artistic contribution. 4

Concerns

name description
Loss of Cultural Heritage Cultural heritage faces threats from climate change, conflict, and neglect, resulting in potential irreversible loss of identity.
Challenges of AI in Cultural Preservation The use of AI to reinterpret cultural sites raises concerns about authenticity and the impact of technology on heritage and memory.
Environmental Uncertainty The pavilion addresses the broader implications of environmental change affecting cultural sites and their preservation.
Political Instability Impacting Heritage Political conflicts can lead to the destruction and disregard for cultural heritage sites, exacerbated by tensions in various regions.
Authors of Cultural Identity The discussion on authorship in the reinterpretation of cultural artifacts may challenge traditional notions of cultural ownership.

Behaviors

name description
AI-Driven Cultural Preservation Utilizing artificial intelligence to reinterpret and preserve architectural heritage, allowing for new narratives and forms.
Dynamic Heritage Interpretation Approaching preservation as a fluid process rather than fixed, adapting cultural expressions through time with technology.
Collaboration in Cultural Heritage Bringing together experts from diverse fields to address heritage challenges and create innovative solutions.
Material-Technology Dialogue Exploring interactions between traditional materials and digital technologies for coherent architectural expressions.
Sustainability in Architecture Integrating sustainability practices within architectural design and cultural heritage discussions.

Technologies

name description
Artificial Intelligence in Cultural Heritage Utilizing AI to preserve and reinterpret architectural heritage, creating dynamic relationships between technology and traditional materials.
Generative AI in Architecture AI models that generate new spatial compositions based on existing historical data, allowing for innovative interpretations of cultural structures.
Adaptive Preservation Techniques Innovative methods that support the reinterpretation and transformation of cultural landmarks instead of traditional restoration practices.

Issues

name description
Cultural Heritage Preservation through AI Exploring how artificial intelligence can be utilized for the reinterpretation and preservation of cultural heritage.
Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Sites Loss of cultural heritage due to climate change emphasizes the need for adaptive preservation strategies.
Dynamic Reinterpretation of Cultural Identity Challenges traditional notions of cultural identity by proposing fluidity and reinterpretation in heritage work.
Role of Technology in Cultural Expression Examining how technology, particularly AI, influences and shapes cultural narratives and expressions.
Ecocide and Environmental Healing Addressing the consequences of human intervention on the environment and the need for restorative practices.
Sustainability amidst AI and Human Impact Investigating how AI interfaces with sustainability efforts and the ecological footprint of technological advancement.