First steps for Scots in Venice

Scotland's has opened its first purpose-built exhibition space at the Venice Biennale of Architecture.

The design by Gareth Hoskins, called A Gathering Space, is a large wooden structure made from Scots larch.

The 7m-high stair structure, built in one of the busiest spots in the city, provides views over the Grand Canal and also a covered space to host events.

The exhibit, funded by £75,000 from the Scottish Government, is separate to the main British Council site.

It is organised by The Lighthouse, the national architecture and design centre based in Glasgow.

Nick Barley, director of The Lighthouse, said that Scotland's presence in Venice was a "landmark" event for Scottish architecture and design.

"Venice is a city of bridges and steps"
Gareth Hoskins

He said: "For the Scottish presence this year we have decided to take a novel approach in line with the theme of the biennale - Architecture Beyond Building.

"A Gathering Space aims to harness the buzz and boundless energy of the biennale with a lively programme of events bringing together Scottish and international voices to stimulate debate, exchange ideas and address some of the key architectural issues facing the world today."

Gareth Hoskins, whose firm has been behind key Scottish buildings including the new Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, near Inverness, and the Bridge Arts Centre in Easterhouse, said: "Venice is a city of bridges and steps.

"As with many cities around the world these form places within the urban environment where people often pause, to rest, to meet or to simply watch the daily hustle and bustle of city life.

"This structure forms an intriguing new sculptural incident within Venice that creates both a formal place for events and an informal place where people can gather and observe the city from a new perspective."