"Gateway to Venice's Waterway," the proposal presented by the Norman Foster Foundation for the 19th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia 2025, represents a true manifestation of the intersection between design and architecture. The 37-meter-long structure is inspired by the lightweight technology found in racing cars designed by one of the world's most valuable sports car brands.
"Porsche is characterized by a very demanding field of tension between tradition and innovation. This means that, as a design team, we are constantly confronted with the question of how to strategically shape our future in terms of identity and authenticity. The exchange with Norman Foster and his team is a very valuable source of inspiration. This vision beyond the confines of vehicle design guides us in a more coherent, yet future-oriented, direction."
Michael Mauer, Vice President Style, Porsche.
"Gateway to Venice’s Waterway" by Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche. Photograph by Pablo Gómez-Ogando. Courtesy by the Norman Foster Foundation.
Evoking the historic network of bridges that characterizes Venice, the Gateway actively connects new electric modes of transport, which function as carbon-neutral mobility solutions during the opening week of Biennale Architettura 2025. In line with contemporary sustainability principles, it will be the first fully circular and zero-waste Venice Biennale.
“This project led us to rethink our design philosophy to integrate circular economy principles and technical expertise in automotive manufacturing. Local materials have been incorporated to honor the site's heritage while reducing the ecological footprint. This collaboration with Porsche has allowed us to push the boundaries of design with practical and scalable solutions tailored to the challenges and opportunities of Venice.”
Norman Foster, President, Norman Foster Foundation.
"Gateway to Venice’s Waterway" by Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche. Photograph by Pablo Gómez-Ogando. Courtesy by the Norman Foster Foundation.
Gateway marks the beginning of a new collaboration that will delve deeper into the future of automotive mobility. Conceived to respond to the immediate challenges of transportation in Venice, the proposal imagines migrating and evolving to new locations, anticipating the changing demands of global urban mobility. Transcending the world of architecture, the merger between the Norman Foster Foundation and Porsche presents itself as a partnership between the worlds of advanced mobility and visionary architecture, connecting heritage and innovation.
"Dreaming evokes a sense of limitless possibilities and the courage to imagine what doesn't yet exist. It's about imagining bold solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges. In this project, dreaming means imagining a Venice where historic preservation and advanced mobility coexist, creating a model of urban innovation that respects the past while embracing the future."
Norman Foster, President, Norman Foster Foundation.
