The Procuratie Vecchie, one of the most photographed sites in the world, comes back to life “in the sign of the Lion”. Thanks to David Chipperfield’s project these 16th century buildings at Piazza San Marco in Venice will be the headquarters of The Human Safety Net ( #THSNVenice), a new flagship initiative, powered by Generali, to help some of the most vulnerable communities around the world.
The Procuratie Vecchie, Generali’s historic home in Venice, will open its doors following the restoration by David Chipperfield to become the hub of The Human Safety Net, an initiative based on the idea that communities of ‘people helping people’ can bring about sustainable change, creating a positive ripple effect. It reflects Generali’s commitment to contribute towards a healthy, resilient and sustainable society where people can develop and flourish to their full potential.
“To design the The Human Safety Net ‘home’ we have chosen the best” Philippe Donnet, CEO of Generali Group quoted “David Chipperfield Architects was a natural choice due to his love of Venice and shared vision for an architecturally and socially coherent restoration.
Mr. Donnet also added “The beauty of Venice is a source of inspiration for the world, and Generali is very proud to enrich the city’s heritage by restoring the area of Piazza San Marco. By opening the Procuratie Vecchie to the public for the first time in nearly five centuries, we are creating new and vibrant spaces where people can meet to discuss some of today’s most pressing social and global issues” and he concluded “We are grateful to the Venetian authorities for their support in this endeavour. Venice has long been a crossroads of different cultures from around the world, and we hope to build on this tradition through The Human Safety Net and our movement of people helping people”.
The 152 meters long building (11,000 sqm) on the north side of Piazza San Marco, featured by 50 arch and 100 venetian-bizantine style windows, will host Generali’s offices, exhibition and public areas and locations to be rent for social initiatives.
The Procuratie Vecchie will provide an open door for people to seek inspiration from programmes, exchange ideas, and volunteer to take collective action. The hub will host regular public exhibitions, events and discussions on pressing social and demographic challenges from poverty to migration.
During the press conference in Venice David Chipperfield explained the re-vitalizing restoration project underlining the importance to define the original identity of the Procuratie Vecchie.
The Chipperfield’s approach links Procuratie Vecchie together with other parts of the square and the Royal Gardens. When complete, the project will re-establish the historic paths and flow to and from Piazza San Marco.
The restore of this magic garden founded by Napoleon is in progress and sponsored by Venice Gardens Foundation -president Adele Re Redebaudengo- in partnership with Generali.
