Project 2: Site Exploration

I chose the site located along the Canale di Cannaregio, Site 1.  The bridge would intersect the pedestrian walkways of Fondamenta di Canaregio and Fondamenta Savorgnan.  This site interested me because contextually it is located in a modest area that has potential to be a destination.  Modest shops line the Fondamenta Savorgnan and Fondamenta di Canaregio.  The area is in need of revitalization, which is evident in the condition of the buildings along the walkway.

I have always been interested in the gardens of the different cities in Italy.  I find them relaxing and prefer to spend the majority of my visitation of a city wandering through the greenery.  That being said, my design strategy is to incorporate green space with the bridge.  I was quite disappointed with the gardens of Venice in comparison to other Italian cities I have visited.  Therefore, integrating a modest urban garden within something unique to Venice, like the bridges, will be good for the area.

I am in the early exploration of what types of plants I would use and how I want the plants to affect the area, but there are a few details in which I feel strongly.  One would be lattice work along the bridge.  Using vines in a network of lattices is a driving motivator with how the design and form of the bridge will develop.

The following work includes the preliminary steps taken to generate design proposals.  With a context this tight and dense, measurements are important:

The highlighted area of the building will most likely be excavated… It is so depressing looking!! Tearing into this building will not be the death of Venice or even this tiny little area...

Aerial diagram looking at the intersection and building that the bridge will most likely be physically connected with. 

This diagram explores the precise scale of the area, including the number of levels in the surrounding buildings.