It is a cultural event supported by Universal Selecta in collaboration with FAI (Fondo Ambientale Italiano) addressed to everyone passionate about sailing, architecture and design. You may contribute, with open donations straightly handled by FAI, to the restoration of “Velarca” designed by BBPR at the end of the 50’s.
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(Spazio Eventi US 49, Via Ettore Ponti 49, Milan. May 6th at 6,30).
A fund-raising party hosted for the restoration of “Velarca”, historical symbol of the union among Milanese design and Como Lake landscape. It is a house-boat designed between 1959 and 1961 by the historical architectural firm BBPR (Belgiojoso, Banfi, Peressutti and Rogers) well known for designing the famous Torre Velasca.
Built on an existing “gondola corriera tremezzina” in the early 30’s, it has become a masterpiece acknowledged for its design and the executive quality of the interiors.
In 2001 the vessel has been donated to the FAI by the heirs of the first owner: the couple Aldo and Maria Norsa.
Velarca has outlived fifty years of stay at the architectural docking of Ossuccio, designed in harmony from the BBPR firm itself. The design of the vessel meets perfectly with the one of the bank to which it has been docked through a refined jetty that used to link it to a small garden which constituted a complementary and not optional space for the floating house.
The aim of the combination boat/garden was to create a meeting place for artists and intellectuals.
Recently, thanks to a daring pulling operation, it has been moved to the yard of the wood craftsman Daniele Riva of Laglio to be submitted to a careful and accurate restoration that may take it back to the ancient glory from the present pitiful condition.
On the occasion of the event, on May 6th, the vice executive president of FAI, Marco Magnifico, will present the recovery activity and will tell the history of Velarca and some parts of the vessel will be exhibited at Spazio Eventi US 49 together with other typical lacustrine vessels.
A delegation of the Como Aeroclub will also be present which with its seaplane allows unique visions of the marvels of Como Lake.
