The five-year project, led by David Chipperfield Architects Milan and commissioned by Generali, reunifies the sixteenth-century structure
Photography by Alberto Parise
Words by Sonia Zhuravlyova
St Mark’s Square is one of the most recognisable spots in Venice. The classical Procuratie Vecchie, which dates back to the first half of the 16th century and runs along the entire north side of the square has now reopened following a five-year restoration by David Chipperfield Architects Milan.
The grand administrative and retail building has been home to the global insurance group Generali’s Italian head office for much of the 20th century, and remains the base of its charitable foundation, The Human Safety Net. It is now open to the public for the first time in its 500-year history.
Photography by Richard Davies. Procuratie Vecchie, David Chipperfield, Piazza San Marco.
The project is defined by a series of interventions that create a more coherent whole. These include the restoration of historic interiors on the first and second floors, new vertical circulation, and the renovation of the third floor, with public access to the exhibition spaces as well as workspaces, event spaces and an auditorium linked to The Human Safety Net. A new rooftop pavilion provides access to sunken terraces with views across the city.
Whether repairing historic fabric or adding new elements, traditional construction techniques and craftsmanship were used to create a material continuity throughout the building. For instance, internal walls are covered in marmorino plaster or finished with scialbatura (slaked lime) giving uniformity to the varied surfaces.
Photography by Alessandra Chemollo
For the flooring, pastellone and terrazzo were used, both including the same stone aggregates, while the arches and portals are realised in reconstituted stone. The architects took care with the historic details – on the first and second floors, parts of Venetian terrazzo flooring, ceilings, plasterwork and frescoes have been revealed. On the third floor, brick walls have been uncovered, exposing the traces of transformations over 500 years.
‘Repairing, reunifying and adapting the many layers of this historic structure has been a highly complex and rewarding challenge that reconnects us to the power of architecture both as physical substance and as a process of collaboration,’ said Sir David Chipperfield. ‘We look forward to seeing the building re-embed itself into the city, supporting Venice as a living place of activity and innovation.’
Photography by Alberto Parise
Photography by Alberto Parise, Richard Davies and Alessandra Chemollo
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