Álvaro Siza

Campo di Marte . Venice

Álvaro Siza . + J – A

The project presented here aims to respond to the objectives set forth in the Competition organized by the Instituto Autónomo Casa Popular (IACP): the restructuring of the area according to a defined Program, the possibility of gradual stages, the architecture plan open to the participation of several designers.

The existing relations are reorganised, in order to consolidate and clarify the character of the Campo di Marte as an integral part of the Giudecca; a solid link is established between the Canal and the Laguna; the east-west connection is straightened in accordance to the Plan and its current state; pre-existing elements are associated with the project, the open space and built area, the latter being sectioned as to allow the definition of both project and phasing units.

Two perpendicular arteries, roughly in the directions North-South and East-West support the rearrangement of the Campo di Marte.

The first corresponds to the Calle Michelangelo and ends – in an already proposed subsequent phase – in an open square over the Laguna and the Isola La Grazia. The second artery is an extension of the Calle dell Asilo Mason and it is broadened in the area of Lot 2, giving shape to an elongated square, limited by the existing buildings to the north and by the present proposals to the south.

The intersection of these two arteries constitutes the center of the sector. The link between the converging constructions, existing and projected, makes this intersection a major node of relationships and at the same time a point of passage and of permanence. However, the continuous flow of alternative paths is kept, as is the variation of spaces without any excessive hierarchy.
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