# Minimalist Wooden Figures Álvaro Siza Particcipates in the Venice Architecture Biennale By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-08-24 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-wooden-figures References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/24/alvaro-siza-holy-see-pavilion-venice-architecture-biennale/)  Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza's involvement in the Vatican City's pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale has resulted in the creation of a series of minimalist wooden figures accompanied by a garden conceived by [Studio Albori](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formfunctional-archifurniture). The works of art employ timber as their main material and Álvaro Siza has named this series 'O Encontro,' which translates to 'the encounter.' Eager visitors are able to see the minimalist wooden figures in person at the Abbey of San Giorgio Maggiore in proximity to Venice's San Giorgio Maggiore church. Commissioned by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, the timber figures form one of the distinct components within the Holy See's pavilion at the Biennale. Álvaro Siza, a Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, strategically positioned the figures in varying poses, conveying a sense of movement and liveliness. Image Credit: Dezeen ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Minimalist Wooden Figures:** Álvaro Siza's minimalist wooden figures showcase the potential for incorporating timber as a main material in contemporary art and design. - **Venice Architecture Biennale:** The Vatican City's participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale highlights the opportunity for religious institutions to utilize art and architecture as a means of expression and engagement. - **Studio Albori:** Studio Albori's garden concept for Álvaro Siza's minimalist wooden figures demonstrates the fusion of nature and art in creating immersive experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Contemporary Art:** The creation of minimalist wooden figures by Álvaro Siza opens up new possibilities for artists and designers to explore the use of unconventional materials in their works. - **Religious Institutions:** The Holy See's pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale signifies the potential for religious institutions to embrace artistic collaborations and create unique spaces for spiritual reflection. - **Landscape Design:** Studio Albori's garden concept in conjunction with Álvaro Siza's wooden figures presents opportunities for landscape designers to integrate art installations into natural environments for visually stunning experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Angular Concrete Monastery Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monastery-of-lea-do-balio.md) - [Geometric Three-Story Museum Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lvaro-siza-wing.md) - [Timber Modern Porch Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porch-an-architecture-of-generosity.md) - [Pointy Paper Lantern Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-lantern-pavilion.md) - [Earth-Filled Heritage Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brazil-pavilion.md) - [Tiled Restaurant Interior Murals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cozinha-das-flores.md) - [Nomadic Community-Themed Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/girjegumpi-the-smi-architecture-library.md) - [Black Timber Structural Pyramids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kwaee.md) - [Living Structure-Based Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canada-pavilion.md)