This proposal, selected through a public call for proposals organized by the National Directorate of Culture of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), marks a milestone in the country’s international profile and underscores the importance of water as an essential element in Uruguay’s identity and development.
53.86% Uruguay, the land of water
The installation “53.86% Uruguay, a Water Country” takes its name from a unique geographical reality: Uruguay’s maritime territory accounts for 53.86% of its total area, far exceeding its land area.
View this post on Instagram
This fact, which highlights the central role of water in shaping the country, is the central theme of the proposal. The installation aims to showcase the natural abundance of this resource, as well as explore its cultural, historical, and symbolic significance in Uruguay—a fundamental element for the nation’s development and identity.
- You might also be interested in reading: “Great works that shaped the history of Uruguayan architecture”
A rigorous selection process
The project was selected through an open call process. Among the key elements of the process, the composition of the jury stands out; it was made up of prominent professionals from Uruguay’s cultural and architectural sectors. The evaluation panel included:
- Carina Strata, architect representing the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of the Republic (Uruguay).
- Ruben García Miranda, architect representing the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay in Universidad ORT Uruguay.
- Leonardo Nogués, architect and representative of the National Commission for the Visual Arts.
- Hugo Palmarola, industrial designer, appointed as an international jury member by mutual agreement.
- Marcos Castaings, architect, chosen by the contestants.
This diversity of perspectives not only ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal but also demonstrated Uruguay’s institutional commitment to highlighting its cultural and architectural potential.
- You might also be interested in reading: “In 2025, construction will remain the sector with the greatest environmental impact: here’s the solution”
The 2025 Venice Biennale: A Cutting-Edge Venue
The Venice Biennale is recognized worldwide as one of the most prestigious events in the field of architecture. In its 2025 edition, the event will be held under the theme“Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collectiv.”
This topic, explained by the Italian architect and engineer Carlo Ratti, the curator-in-charge, invites us to explore smart and adaptive solutions to contemporary challenges.
With its own pavilion at the I Giardini venue, Uruguay ranks among the three Latin American countries (along with Brazil and Venezuela) that have an established institutional presence at this major event.
The acquisition and management of this pavilion, authorized by Law 12,697 of January 20, 1960, and periodically renewed through concessions of right of use (valid until 2027), reinforces the international standing of Uruguayan architecture and its commitment to culture.
- You might also be interested in reading: “Contemporary Architecture: Exploring 21st-Century Architectural Design and Its Characteristics”
Water, Architecture, and the Landscape
The proposal “53.86% Uruguay, the Water Country” stands out for its conceptual approach and its ability to create a unique sensory experience. With the support of the Viñoly Foundation, the project stands as an invitation to reflect on the intrinsic relationship between water, architecture, and territory.
The installation aims to prompt viewers to engage in a profound reflection on the intelligent and collective management of water, a vital resource that has been instrumental in the history and development of Uruguay.
The installation “53.86% Uruguay, Land of Water” conveys a clear and powerful message: water is the element that defines Uruguay’s identity and potential. The project invites us to rethink the relationship between natural resources and the way we conceive of architectural space.
By actively participating on the jury and supporting initiatives of this magnitude, the School of Architecture at Universidad ORT Uruguay reaffirms its leadership and its commitment to architecture that blends tradition with innovation.