The 14th edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale opened for the public yesterday. For the first time it was launched at the start of the summer and will run for six months until the end of November (7.6-23.11.2014) www.labiennale.org/en/architecture

Rem Koolhaas accepted the invitation to curate the program, which explores key elements and ideas of modernity, the past 100 years of architecture. In the press preview Koolhaas said that he felt intuitively that this was the right moment for him to take up the job – which he had previously declined. Koolhaas’ status as a visionary thinker within contemporary architecture is without comparison. The preview days attracted a record number of journalists.

The main program is exhibited in the Giardini park inside the national pavilions and continues in the Arsenale docks amongst film and dance installations, where Koolhaas wanted to bring new energy and life to architectural presentations. The pavilions themselves are beautiful examples of 20th century architecture. This year the Korean pavilion’s exhibition was awarded with the Golden Lion award.

Throughout the city there are exhibitions and events, organised by international teams. By the Accademia bridge a huge installation by Ai Wei Wei, made of 1179 bicycles, occupies the courtyard garden of Palazzo Franchetti. It’s part of the Genius Loci art exhibition, which continues inside the 16th century Gothic style palace. The exhibition is curated and presented by the Lisson Gallery, including works relating to space and architecture by Julian Opie, Anish Kapoor, Spencer Finch and Joana Vasconcelos   www.lissongallery.com/commissions