Article source: Studio Macola

The project is part of a plan to revitalise a former industrial site, “the Conterie” ( small beads), on the island of Murano. Also known as the island of glass, Murano forms part of the Venetian lagoon. The Conterie were a two-hectare-wide industrial complex located in the heart of Murano. Brought into being between the end of the 18th century and the first half of 19th century, the Conterie’s zenith dates to the second half of the 19th century, when the complex achieved its maximum industrial output. Decline, on the other hand, kicked in in the 1970s, and the factory was finally closed down in 1993. Two years later the complex was acquired by the Municipality of Venice. This decision was taken because the former industrial site was deemed to offer significant urban development opportunities on account of its extent, location and the variety of building which makes it up. Many of the latter, it must be added, were in a particularly poor state of conservation.

Image Courtesy © M. Zanta

• Architects: Studio Macola
• Project: The Conterie
• Location: Murano, Venezia, Italy
• Photography: M. Zanta
• Client: Comune di Venezia – Insula S.p.a.
• Project manager: M. Negro – Insula S.p.a.
• Structural engineer: L. Rota with G. Di Mento
• Mechanical engineer: R. Bonacina
• Electrical engineer: D. Colpo
• Covering and roofing in titanium zinc:  Zintek Srl
• Project Year: 1999-2015

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