Authors: Samuel Weisler, Colton Korpi, Josh Lythgoe
Mentors: Aliki Milioti
Insitution: Utah Valley University
The Venice Project addresses the challenge of blending contemporary buildings into the well-established urban environment of Venice, a city well known for its rich architectural heritage. In a city with canals in the place of streets, where motorboats and gondolas are the main mode of transportation, seasonal flooding at high tide continues to become a greater environmental concern. The research centers on the documentation and preservation of these valued characteristics through an analytical and interpretative research approach. The primary focus is on aspects such as perception, harmony of open and enclosed space, and the seamless integration into the urban and environmental fabric.
The unique design constraints were taken head on in creating the one of a kind ‘Ca’Meriggiare’, a luxury hotel that enriches Venice’s heritage. In lieu of fighting against them, the design embraces the environmental challenges posed by the periodic flooding of the city and transforms them into an integral part of the design. For instance, the flooding is harnessed to create a charming, arcaded entrance exclusive to hotel guests arriving by boat, providing a unique entry sequence unphased by rising or falling water levels.
The expected result of the research is a successful fusion of a contemporary hotel with the rich historical context of the city. The innovative design allowed the periodic flooding to become an integral part of the hotel that added a charm and uniqueness to the guest experience. Ca’Meriggiare stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of historical preservation with environmental adaption that honors Venice’s heritage.
This luxury hotel case study offers a holistic perspective on theoretical and design considerations, emphasizing the importance of integration within the environmental dimensions. Rather than viewed as an isolated instance, it provides an overarching framework for innovation that will apply to the evolution of contemporary architecture.