OMA Reveals Design for Restoration of Historic Venetian Building

From Diane Pham at Inhabitat…

OMA has just revealed plans for the restoration of Fondaco Dei Tedeschi’s landmark building in Venice, Italy. The incredible structure is an iconic piece of architecture held in high esteem for not only Venetians, but for Italy as a whole. Settled right along the Grand Canal, the structure was first built in 1228 and has become a central point for both culture and commerce. After undergoing a number of dramatic changes, the building has recently fallen to disuse and is now completely inaccessible to the public. Commissioned by the Benneton family, who owns the building, OMA has designed an incredible new program for the structure that focuses on reactivating the building as a vibrant new cultural center for the famed city.

The Fondaco dei Tedeschi was first constructed in 1228 as a trading post for German merchants and was later turned into a customs house under Napoleon in 1806. OMA’s new plan for the structure will create a contemporary trading post in the form of a culturally-programmed department store complete with a cinema and other social activities. More…