Acqua Alta
UNIVERSITY ISLAND Competition for Poveglia Art University
Finalist
As a geographically exposed coastal city, Venice has always been taken as an exemple for urban development. However, climate change and phenomenom of rising waters in the coming century is a current problem that architects should all take in consideration. The University Island has been developed in order to be able to face any floating in the coming years.
The construction on piles is reinterpretation and a tribute to the venetian urbanism. The main purpose of this project was to see how we could turn the ruins of the island into a new and modern attractive place, and create a symbiosis between old and new. As a symbol, the only way to reach the new constructions are to take the path of the existing buildings.
In each existing building, the ground floor has a secondary function which could disappear if the water comes up. These functions are about exhibition spaces and lobby, as well as recreative surfaces for tourists and students. Since they are located in the upper floors, the most important functions of the University will remain and people will basically just have to adapt to a new functioning in each building.
This project was all about how to turn ruins into a new and modern attractive place, and create a symbiosis between old and new. As a symbol, the only way to reach the new constructions and extensions are to take the path of the existing buildings.
Regarding to the project composition, the mass plan has been designed with buildings surrounding a big central plaza, which the main purpose is to connect building to each other and create and allows a better interactivity between functions and people.
The learning center is a very strong element in the masterplan of the campus. Visible from everywhere, it acts as a knowledge symbol. The new building is built by the entrance of the university on top of an existing ruin. Circulations are located into the original spaces and distribute the different mixed levels. On the terrace level, the public center is connected by a bridge with another existing building which contains classrooms for students.
The necessary laboratories and other research spaces are located into the learning tower. They all have a panoramic view on the island and Venice.
Apartments are located on the north part of the island because they obviously need more privacy and calm.The main buildings body acts as a link and as a transition between the campus and the "village", located in the forest. Concerning the layout, the “night part” is turned toward the village whereas the “daytime part” is facing the campus. The buildings width has been minimized as much as possible, in order to get a minimal footprint on the island. To do so, the full width is used for each apartments layout.
The main building is dedicated to students whereas in the village, there are more about shared-flats, apartment for young couples, tourists, professors, and searchers.
The hall sport building has been located in front of the arrival port. It acts as a transition between the project's hearts and the sport fields. Entrance are possible on both side and through one of the existing building. On the river side, we can find a specific space dedicated to the nautical sport.
The library takes place above two existing buildings (existing building 9 and 5) and connect them to each others. Because of the lack of space, a circular extension has been designed, out of the buildings are and connected by a covered bridge. Into the main existing building, we can find the entrance, the administration, the studying areas, some classrooms and the auditorium. Between the trees, the new building library is dedicated to the reading area. Its disposition and its shape offer the best views to the lagoon, and the best atmosphere to study.
