Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s Canal Cafe has made waves at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, transforming lagoon water from Venice’s canals into espresso—earning the studio the event’s highest honor, the Golden Lion.

Set along the Arsenale waterfront, the striking installation purifies canal water through a visible, on-site filtration system—a combination of artificial and natural methods that includes ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and a “micro-wetland” filled with plants and bacteria. The result: safe, mineral-balanced water brewed into espresso under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani.

The project challenges public perceptions of water reuse by pairing “shock and disgust” with the pleasure of drinking premium coffee in a stunning environment. Co-founder Elizabeth Diller says the installation prompts reflection on water scarcity, distributed infrastructure, and sustainable urban solutions in the face of climate change.

While official clearance from Italian health authorities is still pending, Canal Cafe has already drawn international acclaim. The Biennale jury praised the project as “a laboratory to speculate how to live on the water” and a bold addition to Venice’s public realm.

This isn’t the studio’s only contribution to the Biennale—Diller Scofidio + Renfro also created a temporary translucent library in the Giardini, further demonstrating their commitment to blending design innovation with public engagement.