La Giudecca

La Giudecca represents the largest individual island in Venice. It is actually made up of eight small islands that are interconnected by a number of bridges. In 1995 the City Council has initiated the Giudecca Project.The urban layout of the project recognizes the presence of two heterogeneous scales: dense fabric on the North side of the island versus more sparse industrial precincts overlooking the lagoon towards the South. The project acts a sort of "microsurgery" in the former industrial area, including both radical transformations by refurbishment or new construction as well as slight modifications of the existing buildings and open spaces. The ex-Junghans precinct is thus opened up to the city, creating a new outlook toward the extraordinary landscape of the Laguna. New paths are opened in the gaps between the industrial buildings, a new canal is excavated, and a new urban square bordered by the existing school garden generates a long and interesting view toward the South.