Metavilla

The contract between Patrick Bouchain, guest architect of the French pavilion and EXYZT led to the idea of an alternative way of showing architecture. After conception, programming and planning, the collective finally realized its project: to bring visitors closer to an architectural space by no other means than physical and sensitive experiences. During the construction and throughout the 3 months, the French pavilion will be occupied and transformed into a living space. Metavilla is the act (the law) of transforming an empty shell into a place full of life. What is the essence of the act of architecture to offer spaces that are ready to be tested and appropriated? Other teams are invited to come and occupy the Metavilla and make it their home. More than being an alternative way of “exposing” architecture, Metavilla presents a normal daily life including sleeping, washing, eating, working and resting. The public space of an exhibition can become your home: this is the case at Metavilla. Visitors are welcome and participate in the daily life of Metavilla: you can sunbathe in the sun loungers, have a drink or share a meal, take a sauna or a shower. Once the EXYZT team is gone, others will be able to keep Metavilla alive.