The Venice Architecture Biennale, arguably the most iconic event in the architectural calendar, opens its 2025 edition to the public this week on May 10th. As crowds begin to descend on the Italian city and organizers and participants finish their final preparations, Archinect's Niall Patrick Walsh spoke with the biennale's curator Carlo Ratti on what visitors can expect from the event. In our conversation, Ratti unpacks his vision for the biennale as a living laboratory from which ideas and research can emerge to guide the evolution of the built environment; all themed along the exhibition's pillars of Natural, Artificial, and Collective intelligence. In addition, Ratti offers his thoughts on the curatorial process, common topics explored by participants, the future of biennales, and some final advice for those making the trip to Venice to see the event in person. The conversation, edited lightly for length and clarity, is published below.

Darkened corners, poorly-lit cars, vandalism, and other physical and psychological indicators that crime is present or can thrive still underpin its persistence on subways and in stations in New York City. This has led to a widespread perception of danger. And, in real terms, the neglect has spurred a 160% increase in arrests throughout the system over the last two years. With the number of felony assaults now on the rise and outnumbering robberies in the subway system 2-to-1, Claire Weisz, founding principal of Brooklyn-based WXY Architecture + Urban Design, whose related work on civic engagement will be on display inside the official United States Pavilion at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale, spoke to Archinect about the new Vital City guidances and her personal connection as a New Yorker and the co-founder of Design Trust for Public Space.

Archinect's latest Studio Snapshot features Portland, Maine-based design-build practice Woodhull. Founded in 2003 by Caleb Johnson, the firm has grown into a New England powerhouse with a reputation for combining locally-inspired design with impeccable craftsmanship and natural materials.  In our conversation, Johnson talks about how they integrate multiple disciplines within the practice and what qualities Woodhull looks for in new hires.

Hawaii Off-Grid Architecture and Engineering’s commitment to ecological concerns and promoting the overall betterment of their Hawaiian community through the built environment is well-known within the state’s design circles, ten years after being founded by architect David Sellers, civil engineer Jacob Freeman, and now-retired architect Rick McGovern. Recently, the practice has been active in rebuilding efforts in Maui following the catastrophic 2023 wildfires that displaced as many as 12,000 people. Now, their brand-new Surf Block Maui manufacturing offshoot has made local headlines for using the EPS/styrofoam waste products from surfboards as a composite for a new kind of lightweight concrete building material. Interested in joining Hawaii Off-Grid's team? The firm is currently hiring a Junior/Project Architect in Haiku on Archinect Jobs.

To mark National Volunteer Week 2025, we reflect on the overwhelming response by the architectural community who volunteered time and resources during and after January’s devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. In particular, we speak with Jessica Orlando of AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter, whose Ask an Architect program continues to match architects with homeowners seeking guidance as they rebuild homes, communities, and livelihoods.