Strada Brutalissima. Pavilion of NORTH MACEDONIA
19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia
Commissioner: Maja Nedelkoska Brzanova, National Gallery of the Republic of North Macedonia
Curator: Blagoja Bajkovski (Faculty of Architecture – Skopje, University “SS. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje)
Exhibitor: Blagoja Bajkovski, Ana Rafailovska, Marija Antikj Nikolova, Nevenka Mancheva Adjievska
Inspired by the Biennale Architettura 1980’s Strada Novissima, Strada Brutalissima reimagines the concept of a curated “street”, focusing on Skopje’s Brutalist heritage. While Strada Novissima celebrated architectural plurality and continuity, Strada Brutalissima emerges as a “street of knowledge”, reframing Brutalist architecture as a living dialogue rather than a relic. After the 1963 earthquake, Skopje embraced Brutalism through Kenzo Tange’s master plan, laying the foundation for a bold modern identity. Macedonian architects enriched this vision with global influences, including Paul Rudolph and Van den Broek and Bakema, creating an urban fabric defined by striking forms and raw materiality. Strada Brutalissima transcends nostalgia, positioning this heritage as a resource for critical engagement. It highlights ten Brutalist buildings within a conceptual “street”, prompting reflection on their relevance and hidden intelligence.
