Venice — By The Venice Guide on September 14, 2009 at 9:00 am
Filed under: Announcements, Bridges On The Grand Canal, News, Venice Bridge

Be With World Class Company: Architects Submit Your Plan For Accademia

Ponte dell'Accademia

Venice is a city that has been touched by some of the greatest architectural hands ever to walk the earth. Andrea Palladio helped design some of the most notable churches in Venice, Tadao Ando is responsible for the Punta della Dogana, and Carlo Scarpa can be found in some modern situations. According to an architect friend of mine; “The dream of nearly every architect is to go beyond the boundaries or conventional style”. He always tries to create something that is unique to his own studio but also functional and with the needs of the clients that are involved. But in this age, you too can have your name on the high list of visionaries and you too can put your architectural stamp on the most beautiful city in the world.

The city of Venice is looking to have a new bridge, specifically, the Accademia Bridge. The very first version of the bridge was made of steel and was constructed in 1854, however plans had been around since the middle of the 15th century. Then in the 1930’s this bridge was demolished and replaced with a temporary wooden bridge with the hopes of getting a stone one…this one was never to be. This second bridge began to fall apart and was replaced by the current bridge (which is of equal construction) in 1985. So what does this mean for aspiring architects?

The contest is being held in an effort to restore what is there but yet also update the bridge to make it accessible for all. This has been the major drive of the city in the last few years as much of Venice is not easily accessible due to the narrow crowded streets and endless steps up and over bridges. But things have been taking shape and it is now completely possible to go from Piazza San Marco to the Arsenale during some months by accessible bridges.

The director of public works has been very clear that the contest may not be as easy as it sounds. The project will be given to that person who demonstrates the ability to both presenting a renovation plan and covering the restoration costs. In fact, the winner will have the task of directing the project as well as carrying it out but will also have the responsibility to find the 5 Million Euros that will be necessary for the renovation through sponsorships. It has been very clear that there will be no contribution by the City of Venice to help with this cost.

The criteria for the project are as follows taken from the announcement:
Each of which will be given a certain score (the maximum will be 100 points):
1) the quality of the project proposal (up to 70 points) – this will be evaluated according to the following parameters:
- the project impact on the urban context and its artistic quality (25 points);
- the quality of the accessibility solution proposed and the level of accessibility guaranteed (25 points);
- the choice of the materials, which will be evaluated according to innovation and maintenance (15 points);
- the organization of the building yard and the solution studied for crossing the Grand Canal while the works are being carried out (5 points).
2) the communication plan (up to 20 points) – lower impact projects will obviously get better marks.
3) the duration of the works (up to 10 points) – the contract foresees a minimum duration of 720 days. Better scores will be assigned to the lowest possible duration.

The proposals will have to be presented by October 30th at 12 a.m.