Venice ContemporaryArts
Sector
Public
Location
St.Helena, Italia
Year
2023
Lorenzo Rosso Mai, Brennan Cook
Faculty
Roberto Behar
A civic building that reflects it's constituents history and architectural context
The Venice Contemporary Arts center alludes to the sophistication of sant'Elena's new urbanism while referencing the masterpieces of neighboring Venice. By redefining the abandoned boat yard, a new point of attraction to the island's north greenway attracts locals and tourists to the campo that the site encompasses.
The local boat-building history of Sant‘Elena, a quaint island in the Venetian Lagoon, is a captivating tale deeply interwoven with the maritime legacy of Venice. Sant‘Elena played a crucial role in shaping the distinctive character of Venetian boats, from traditional gondolas to the formidable galley ships that once propelled the Venetian Republic to dominance in the Mediterranean. Boat builders in Sant‘Elena honed their craft, perfecting the art of shaping wooden hulls and crafting intricate designs that reflected both practical functionality and aesthetic beauty. As Venice expanded its influence in the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages, the demand for versatile and powerful ships grew. This marked the emergence of the galley, a distinctive vessel characterized by its sleek design and multiple banks of oars. Sant‘Elena‘s shipyards became instrumental in the production of these formidable ships, showcasing the island‘s pivotal role in Venetian
naval dominance.
