The 16th International Architecture Exhibition proposes a pertinent reflection about the multiplicity of forms that the concept of Freespace can take in architectural thinking and design. A knack for proposing current themes, such as the one for this architecture exhibition, and for pondering alternative forms of existence are characteristic of Fundação Bienal de São Paulo and the reason behind its organization of Brazilian participation in the Italian event. Artistic expression is not the exclusive domain of the visual arts; a huge diversity of fields produce sensitive manifestations of their work. Fundação Bienal finds itself, therefore, in a special position to activate, through the exhibitions and activities it organizes, connections between different fields of human endeavor. The dovetailing of vocations that motivates the collaboration between the two institutions also extends to other cultural agents, equally committed to the issues of our time, which are a part of a global network cultivated by Fundação Bienal. Among these partners are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, with whom Fundação Bienal has organized Brazilian participation in the Venice Architecture Exhibition since its 6th edition, in 1996, and in the Venice Art Exhibition since its 32nd edition, in 1964. We know that Brazil’s participation in the 16th Architecture Exhibition—a truly free space in which to discuss the building of the future of our cities—will be the source of dialogues that will contribute to the sensitive education of emancipated individuals.
João Carlos de Figueiredo Ferraz President of Fundação Bienal de São Paulo