Rolex Unveils Sustainable Pavilion at 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale
Rolex is making a bold architectural statement at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale with a newly launched pavilion in the Giardini, designed by acclaimed architect Mariam Issoufou. Known for its precision and commitment to excellence, Rolex continues to fuse sustainability with design innovation this time in the built environment.
Opening on 10 May and running through 23 November 2025, the Rolex Pavilion reflects the brand’s long-standing support of architecture and the Biennale. Issoufou, whose architectural practice spans Niamey, Zurich, and New York, envisioned a structure rooted in natural materials and local craftsmanship. The pavilion’s recycled timber exterior, terrazzo flooring embedded with crushed ‘Cotisso’ glass, and a stunning translucent glass ceiling crafted by Murano artisans embody Rolex’s dedication to environmentally conscious design.
Beyond its physical form, the pavilion hosts a layered exhibition that deepens the conversation on sustainability and cultural preservation. One feature is a film chronicling the pavilion’s construction, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its conception and realization.
A second highlight is the documentary Bourj Hammoud: The Value of the Existing, which showcases the work of Lebanese-Armenian architect Arine Aprahamian under the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative. Guided by renowned French architect Anne Lacaton, the film explores small-scale architectural interventions aimed at improving everyday life in one of Beirut’s most densely populated neighborhoods.
Complementing these exhibits are two slideshows on the restoration of Rolex boutiques—one in Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II by ACPV Architects, and another in Tokyo’s Rolex Tower by Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity. Both projects emphasize heritage preservation, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking design.
Aligned with the 2025 Biennale theme “Intelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective.”, the Rolex Pavilion is a powerful reminder that sustainable, thoughtful architecture can bridge tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
