8th International Architecture Exhibition (La Bienneale di Venezia)

Held in 2002 at the Arsenale and Giardini exhibition venues, the 8th International Architecture Exhibition attracted over 100,000 people. Hosted by Deyan Sudjic, the Next project in the 8th International Architecture Exhibition "interprets this spirit of the time" by showing the visitors a variety of ideas that are of developing trends. "The 8th International Architecture Exhibition od La Biennale is devoted to the exploration of some of these 'next' buildings, 'next' architects and 'next' places. -Deyan Sudjic. Next aims to show what architects will be in the course of a decade - who will be making it and what will they be making it with.
Through the exhibition there are several themes bought together by director Deyan Sudjic, but in particular two themes stand out. The first theme concerns the growing interest shown by industry architecture throughout the world, which suggests that "industrial space is seen as having much more than an economic dimensions". The second theme concerns the increasing cross-over of the great potential for technological innovation and the capacity of leading architects to show it through new developments in architectural culture.
Franco Bernabe, president of La Biennale di Venezia, states that "the 8th International Exhibition clearly shows that architecture worldwide is in good health and intent on leaving major signs for future generations.

The awards of the 8th International architecture exhibition went to:

• The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: Toyo Ito 
• The Golden Lion for best project: Ibere Camargo Foundation designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira
• Special prize for best National Participant: Dutch Pavilion 
• Special prize for best architectural works patron: Zhang Xin
• Special prize for best governative sponsorship: Citta di Barcellona 
• Social mention to Next Mexico City: The lakes Project