NEW FONDAZIONE Di VENEZIA headquarters

Project Theme: Office and Headquarters | Restoration

Project Year: 2022

Client: Fondazione di Venezia

Location: Palazzo Flangini, Venice

Site Owner: Private

Site Dimension: 600 Sqm

Design: Barman architects

Project Team: Roberta Bartolone, Giulio Mangano

3d, renders: Claudio Canesso

Collaborators: Carlo Baldin

Status: Design completed

Our task

The project involves internally refurbishing the historical building, Palazzo Flangini, as the new “Fondazione di Venezia” headquarters.

The context

Palazzo Flangini is in Venice, in Sestriere of Cannaregio, and the main façade overlooks the Grand Canal. The building was constructed in 1700 by the architect Giuseppe Sardi, and it is characterized by its verticality and facade asymmetry. History tells us that Flangini’s family could never acquire the other wing of the palace; therefore, the facade is so iconic. It is also enriched by single-lancet and four-lancet windows, with a big arched portal above which two male figures are carved. 

The project

The project aims to highlight the elements of Venetian architecture by using a modern language. The idea was to establish a vivid connection between different times and traditions, keeping the cultural heritage value of the building.

The project answers the main functional requests, and at the same time, it tries to avoid invasive construction interventions as much as possible. The strategy adopted investigates the use of reversible architectural solutions. A versatile mix of furniture aims to enhance the dialogue with the context.

At the ground floor level, the entrance hall is enclosed by a mirror wall, which amplifies the space's perception and emphasizes the four stone columns of the atrium. The wall divides the entrance from the new conference hall, which is realized using a raised platform hosting different activities. The platform hosts the installation of movable seats that, if not necessary, can be easily removed and placed inside a storage room.

The platform is inscribed within a curved longitudinal wall. The shaped element dialogues with the monumental staircase, creating a view from the stairs inside the multifunctional.

On the first floor, furniture is arranged to design different spaces for individual and collective work.