Venice Blog
Venice isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of Modern Architecture, but if you seek it out like we did in a Modern Architecture module in Venice, you’ll find a plethora of modern buildings that blend into the historic fabric of the city. A pioneer of introducing an international style of architecture into Venice is Venice-born architect, Carlo Scarpa, who in my opinion should be a name as infamous as Le Corbusier. His work in Venice in particular strikes the perfect balance of being new and modern while not imposing on its historic soundings. Scarpa’s architecture feels like a reinterpretation of Italian Renaissance values of geometry and modularity, every detail was relevant to its wider setting. I found myself falling more and more in love with his style the more I got to see his work in person during my time in Italy.
So here’s guide to my favourite Scarpa works in Venice and the Veneto region that I was lucky see during the Venice term.
Venice
Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Castello
Our Warwick HQ was hosted by Fondazione Querini Stampalia and lo and behold, our very own “school” building holds the work of Carlo Scarpa. His modern renovation of the palazzo blends old and new, using quintessentially Venetian materials such as the exposed red brick walls and paths and steps made of Istrian stone. The steps also have a function that is beyond aesthetic, they elevate the ground level, mitigating flooding that the city is prone to – known as Acqua Alta.
There’s more to this space than initially meets the eye though. On closer inspection, you see how Scarpa also skilfully tessellates decorative features with cupboards and doors.
These shapes repeat throughout the smallest of details
He also designed the courtyard garden where water also plays a big part. Japanese architecture was a big influence on Scarpa’s style, evident in how the courtyard evokes the feeling of Japanese gardens.
Biennale Library Sculpture Garden, Castello
In the Castello sestiere, where I lived, is the Biennale library, that you can actually access to study in with a booking. It has a the largest collection of books and catalogues related to the history of the Venice Biennale. While on your study break, you can pop out the side door to explore the sculpture garden designed by Carlo Scarpa.
Olivetti Showroom, San Marco
This building tucked away in St Mark’s square is where Scarpa’s influences from Japanese architecture really come to play in his use of wooden screens and sliding doors.
This building also showcases some beautiful Mosaic tile flooring, paying homage to Venetian tradition
Check out Marketing Exec, Louisa’s blog post to learn more about the Olivetti Showroom!
Veneto Region
Museo Canova, Possagno
Moving onto the mainland, this town is home to the Canova Museum which hosts the Sculptor Antonio Canova’s plaster models of his most famous pieces. Scarpa was responsible for an extension of the museum to house more of Canova’s plaster sculptures.
Although appearing plain and simple, Scarpa’s extension plays with light in such a beautiful way, complimenting the monochromatic sculptures by Canova.
Tomba Brion, San Vito di Altivole
Tucked away in a more rural part of the Veneto, nearby Treviso, is the Brion Tomb and Sanctuary designed by Carlo Scarpa is also the resting place of the architect himself.
I found myself in my own world here. The way the man-made Concrete structures permeate its rural surroundings makes this cemetery the perfect setting for contemplation for the living and a memorial for the dead.
Jokingly labelled his rococo era in one of our seminars, this is one of Carlo Scarpa’s more elaborate pieces which was unfinished due to his passing in 1978. One can only imagine what the final product would look like had he completed it.
Some more Scarpa works you should definitely check out:
Pavilion of Venezuela, Venice
La Partigiana, Venice
Castelvecchio, Verona