Niklas Bildstein Zaar recognized early on that his architecture studio, Sub, was an unconventional choice to lead the main exhibition at this year’s Venice Architecture Biennale. Over the past decade, the Berlin-based firm has gained recognition primarily for creating intricate stage designs for artists such as Travis Scott and Kanye West, as well as for high-profile fashion presentations by Balenciaga.
Throughout its projects, Sub has helped define a stark postindustrial aesthetic that has gained widespread popularity online—characterized by a glossy yet apocalyptic feel, dominated by dark tones and abundant concrete. “Our color palette originates from environments shaped by various countercultural movements,” Bildstein Zaar explained. “We work with materials that embody a strong, distinctive attitude.”
During a recent visit to Sub’s studio in Berlin’s Tiergarten neighborhood, the atmosphere reflected a somber blend of gothic influences and advanced technology. Walls were adorned with black and gray paintings, a menacing rubber mask sat on a counter, and a sculpture resembling the Grim Reaper occupied a corner of Bildstein Zaar’s office.
For the Venice Biennale, Sub is adapting its typically flamboyant style to suit a more restrained and formal setting. Opening on May 10, the Biennale stands as the world’s premier architecture exhibition. Bildstein Zaar expressed hope that his studio’s background in fashion and art would help engage a fresh audience. “If it manages to present itself with a slightly altered identity,” he said, “it could attract a significantly larger crowd.”
Mirroring its counterpart in the visual arts, which took place the previous year, the Venice Architecture Biennale features a major central exhibition alongside individual national pavilions curated independently. For the main show, Sub has devised a comprehensive system to showcase the selected exhibits and guide visitors through the experience.
