DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - James Culkin

Abstract

My project is an art gallery, located in Venice. The front of my site adjoins one of the major canals running through the nine cities as well as being surrounded by smaller canals, for which Venice is famous. I wanted to incorporate the canal and so situated the entry to the gallery for the public at this point. The canal flows in to the front foyer via a cutting in the embankment and allows the public to boat right up the front step. This large entry/foyer space has a light structure and contrasts strongly to the enclosed space of the gallery. Circulation from the foyer to the gallery spaces is vis the lifts and ramps. The rear of the building, although similar in appearance to the front foyer, is for the staff and logistics of the gallery. Freight is able to be delivered and unloaded to storage without disrupting or interfering with the viewing public. The public and served areas are kept separate from the private and servant areas. A large function room is located on the top of the building which seeks to utilise the views up and down the main canal.