The art and architectural landscape of Venice sees a new ray through Casa Sanlorenzo, a cultural and artistic laboratory that remains rooted in history while embracing the contemporary and more innovative art scene. Celebrating the first edition of Venice Climate Week and abiding by the framework of Venice Biennale Architettura, the building was inaugurated by Sanlorenzo Arts on Tuesday, June 3.
Casa Sanlorenzo is not merely a project that showcases architectural talent and renovation but extends to the unique vision of Sanlorenzo that a luxury yachting company can form a compound mixture of arts and encourage the values of high-level culture and design. The building is located right across the street from Basilica Santa Maria della Salute and has become an important space for the new venture. Massimo Perotti, Executive Chairman Sanlorenzo, said,
“Our aim with Casa Sanlorenzo is to offer a reference point for initiatives linked to the world of Sanlorenzo Arts, an entity conceived with the goal of celebrating and supporting the union between art, design and culture, where innovation and creativity can flourish without limits.”
“Casa Sanlorenzo becomes a place where one enters to stop, reflect and share. A space of research, where art does not simply adorn, but rather interrogates. Where design does not impress, but guides. Where beauty is never for its own sake, but the bearer of ethics. In an increasingly virtual world, we wanted to invest in presence, in meaningful encounters, and in shared experiences. Because we believe that authenticity requires substance, time, and human connection. And Venice is the perfect place for this project.”
Restored by Piero Lissoni and the studio Lissoni & Partners, the Casa presents a collaboration between culture and society through its dynamic, open, and inclusive architecture. Located within a mansion, the building spans 1000m2and has a 600m2 garden with bridges and of course, the presence of Basilica Santa Maria della Salute adds value to the place itself and makes it one of the rare buildings to be found in the city.
The restoration was carried out intently to preserve the historical elements of the building; enhanced brick facades and original floors were reserved. Where the restoration was nearly impossible, contemporary architectural language was followed to make exhibitions look more impactful. One of the rather innovative additions to this building is the glass staircase, highlighting the technical advancement and bringing light into the space. In the words of Sanlorenzo, it creates “a dialogue between the original materials and newly introduced ones.”
One of the more elemental things about this renovation is the effect that is created through alternate placements of Concrete floors with Palladian and Portoro floors; an attempt to increase the focus of the artwork on display, hung on white walls.
Extending the connection with the exteriors, Casa Sanlorenzo’s significant neighbor is the bridge nearby that connects it to the surroundings. The bridge is a perfect architectural element that adores Venetian history while using contemporary style. Piero Lissoni, Art Director Sanlorenzo, said,
“I believe that the opportunity to build a bridge in Venice for Sanlorenzo Arts is more unique than rare. The bridge is, in fact, an incredibly complex architectural staircase, and to me, it also embodies a range of other meanings.”
“Besides connecting two different points, the bridge connects different worlds. It is no coincidence that the expressions ‘creating cultural bridges’ and ‘making human bridges’ are used. This bridge for me is not simply a vehicle to transport people, but a cultural bridge, an ideal bridge.”
Using the opportunity of Venice Climate Week, the Casa is also the venue where “Sanlorenzo Talks” took place – a series of meetings and conversations to address ecological transition and sustainable innovation, with guests from the scientific, cultural, and industrial world.
Casa Sanlorenzo is an exemplary model of how entrepreneurship, art, research, and creative thinking can come into play and form a new vision for the company.
Featured Image: Casa Sanlorenzo; Photo: Federico Cedrone.
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