In 2008 Cafe Di Stasio, as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations, held an architectural ideas competition for the design of a new Australian Pavilion in the Giardini of the Venice Biennale.
The submission by Troppo Architects and David Lancashire Design was selected from hundreds to be shortlisted amongst 36 other entries from around the world.
A wending journey; the forest parts; shadowy structure under a brim and cloak; drawn onward, down to bright clearing water; patterned walls waft and weave; fish traps – tides; always water rising falling; Venice of the Sea; boats slip from the forest, keels, bowsprits, masts and oars raised; Palazzo Oz anchored safely; yet right at the edge; ready for water – Aqua Alta; crisscrossing shifting weaving; a cocoon, a devise; art emerges, lives; caught.