About this talk

Running time: 28 minutes

Giorgio Bellavitis practises architecture in Venice and teaches at the university there as well as at Virginia, USA. He has also carried out extensive restoration work in Venice, and published a number of treatises on the subject (for the municipality and for UNESCO) as well as a recent guide to Venice.

Venice, as he explains in his talk, represents a special case, both from the historical and environmental points of view.

In its beginning, the nature of its site was determined by the mix of salt and fresh water, and the need for protection from this. Fresh water was diverted and land reclaimed for building. At first, with strong rules, natural and artificial environments were successfully integrated: a city was built that looked as though it floated on water.

But with the establishment of a republic, and a democratic government, the artificial prevailed. Land was more heavily exploited, and buildings became increasingly difficult to protect from the ravages of the tidal water.

Today, the whole city is exposed to flooding. However, despite the fact that a restructuring of the lagoon is essential, the latter is legally protected from any change.

There is a serious proposal to divide the lagoon into separately controlled systems. But nobody is prepared to accept the possibility (even if it could be done) without jeopardising the whole image of Venice.

Meanwhile, islands are being abandoned or are sinking, and the historical city is being destroyed by water. It is a tragic case - and a paradox of our civilisation.

Please note that a transcript of this talk is available - please contact us for further details.