On old foundations. Building in a historical context.
Palazzo Michiel, Venice
Building on old foundations: Is there a better place than Venice to stage an exhibition on this subject? Is there any other place that depends to the same degree on its foundations, the millions of oak piles on which the city is founded – or a place similarly at risk? Venice is the epitome of a city which engages with its own architectural past.
In long years of practice, gmp von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects had to ask themselves: “Architect, what will you do with what’s already there?”
This exhibition on occasion of the 14th Venice Architecture Biennale presents 32 projects, explaining the different possible approaches to this problem. This creates a multi-faceted kaleidoscope of the many architectural options available. What is also evident is that engagement with the history of a place is a necessary part of responsible building development.
