DESA1002 'Continuous City' Rose Davies

Abstract

SUMMARY ROSE DAVIES 309 200 245 THE CITY: Venice is a city of spaces in between. The naïve tourist and the enigmatic local, alike, share these secretive walkways. Yet, as time wares on Venice loses its sheen of wealth; the paint peels, the moss creeps. Now, only the plastic snow domes in the souvenir shops glimmer in the sun. THE AIM: To preserve the old Venice using the idea of secrecy. The site for the building borders the busiest public square in Venice, the Piazza San Marco. Thus arises the paradox of wanting a private space in a hugely public location. THE SOLUTION: A Conservatorium of Music. A public recital hall that is enclosed by three private towers housing the tuition of music; classrooms, practice rooms and research libraries. Thus “Music Orb” sits opposite San Marco Cathedral and, almost in a call-and-response relationship, allows the sounds of performers to float into the piazza, just like the cathedral’s bells can be heard drifting on the breeze. THE BUILDING: The Recital Orb is accessible via a ramp that can be lowered or drawn, opening or enclosing the space to the public. THE Orb is wedged between the three massive stone towers (built in the style of the vernacular using a C-shaped section). It hovers one story above the ground, creating yet another confined urban space. Entry to the academic towers is gained via this sheltered concourse. Inside the towers a central core of two converging staircases punctuates each level delivering students to all floors of the institution. At night the orb glows silently, an ethereal beacon casting a shimmering reflection on the black surface of the canal. The 3D space frame made from a web of trusses is silhouetted, as guests ascend the ramp. “MUSIC ORB” is the meeting of the old and the new, the familiar and the foreign-all uniting under the timelessness of music.