DESA1002 'Continuous City' Gillian Bennett

Abstract

My design incorporates a combination of traditional Venetian style architecture (arched windows/entrances and use of stone) with more modern day forms and structures. Located in the heart of Venice, this Market Place and adjoining Restaurant offers public access from both the land and water via an open plan ground floor, taking advantage of water as the major form of transportation in Venice. The first and second floors consist of a restaurant and associated restaurant facilities and the third floor is a private bar and entertainment area. The large wooden cubes protruding from the original structure have been inspired by Robert Simeoni’s Seaford Lifesaving Club, comprised of horizontal wooden louvres that act as a sun control mechanism whilst simultaneously allowing people to look out across the city. I have decided to keep the exterior of the old building to create connections with both Venice and traditional architecture, visualised through the grey box-board exterior. Varnished wood was my chosen material as it works well in conjunction with the stone masonry and strong regular forms of the cubes, an important feature as it does not make the building stand out to much in the city and contributes to a higher chance of public acceptance and appreciation of it. Indeed, the exterior of the building makes a subtle connection with both the past and present. The major form of circulation is the wooden staircase that runs along the exterior facade, stopping at each level, offering an interesting comparison to traditional forms of travel within and throughout a building.