Diller, Scofidio+Renfro’s ‘Canal Cafe’ wins the Golden Lion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale

Diller, Scofidio+Renfro, the Canal Cafe installation at the Venice Arsenale; photo © Riccardo Bianchini/Inexhibit

Diller+Scofidio’s ‘Canal Cafe’ wins the Golden Lion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale

Canal Café has won the Golden Lion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale.
The installation by Diller, Scofidio+Renfro, set up at the Arsenale, is a striking eco-machine that looks like something out of a movie, somewhere between a science lab and a café.
The machine, through its form and the technical elements laid visible, clearly and unequivocally showcases its function: the system draws water from the lagoon, purifies it through biofiltration and artificial filtration stages, and purifies it, making it potable and available for use. The water is then vaporized and forced through ground coffee to produce typical Italian espresso.

Canal Café
Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Natural Systems Utilities
SODAI
Aaron Betsky
Davide Oldani

Canal Cafe, Close up view; photo © Riccardo Bianchini/Inexhibit

Photos © Riccardo Bianchini/Inexhibit