Formations: New Practices in Australian Architecture focused on the role of practice organisations as a constituent precondition to innovative and unique architectural outcomes, challenging the narrow disciplinary definition of architecture as a practice linked to building outcomes only. It contributed to international scholarship on the question of agency in design, disciplinary relevance and professional definition. 

This exhibition is considered a major international contribution to the field, identifying 32 examples of ‘non-standard’ practice, six of which were developed towards exhibition in a site-specific installation in Venice. The curatorial frame for this work gathered diverse practice constellations and mapped and measured their deviations from traditional structures via the exercise of diagramming their formations. The specific method used to map the practice formations demonstrates a research and presentation methodology for collecting, comparing and discussing unusual practice structures. Formations revealed innovative new practices previously unknown to the Australian profession.

This project was exhibited at the 2012 Venice Architecture Biennale, which is internationally regarded as the premier venue for architectural curation and exhibition. Burke and Reinmuth were selected as creative directors of the Australian Pavilion in 2012 after a competitive call for the role by the Australian Institute of Architects. Australia is one of only 29 countries to be represented through a dedicated pavilion in the Giardini.