Redivivus

Redivivus proposes a boat crafting focused architectural imaginary as a solution to Venice's over-reliance on tourism. The project draws inspiration from historic ship-building technology and Venice's urban fabric, aiming to reconnect Venetians with their city and create a sustainable future.

Looking to explore these questions, Redivivus presents an architectural imaginary, in which the restitution of skills and culture of boat building become a kernel for the reform of Venice’s economy, diminishing her reliance on tourism. Located on the Arsenale di Venezia, famous for its maritime history, the project imagines a constellation of architectures arranged according to the spatial logic of pre-industrial ship-building technology, as captured on the 1798 map by Maria Mafioletti. Grounded in the historic nautical infrastructure, it looks to go beyond the past and towards an unfolding of history into the future.\r\nThe masterplan of Redivivus, a set of three interconnected islands, has a sensible approach to the existing materiality of Venice. Moreover, the architectural language draws inspiration from the old techniques of boat crafting used by Arsenalotti as well as the unique development of Venice’s urban fabric throughout time. Because, by having a sensible approach towards the materiality of Venice, the specific construction techniques, and as well of their traditions deeply embedded in their culture the design decisions will be able to reconnect Venetians once again with their beloved city and transport Venice towards a sustainable future.\r\nAnd so, coupled with the institutional revival of craft and use of modern materials, the ever-present element of water becomes a medium for Venice to regain and re-invent her unique identity, as the Most Serene of all cities.