Elisabet Sundin Architecture

The task was to create a small art pavilion on Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. The pavilion is a tribute to Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini (1430-1516) famous for having revolutionized Venetian painting, moving it towards a more sensuous and colouristic style. An important characteristic for Bellini and the Venetian school is the interplay between light and colour, making the plasticity less relevant. With this in mind, the pavilion is thought to be hosting contemporary paintings.

The pavilion is inspired by the already existing historic structures. The shape of the pavilion is a simplified interpretation of the spatial and formal characteristics of both the basilica and the Scoula.

With the help of modern constructions and materials, we have translated this into a small pavilion for art exhibitions, partly with natural light from a net of perforations from above.

The goal was to design a pavilion with a simple construction and form, allowing a space for imagination, dreaming and inspiration. The play with the interior (pavilion - light), the exterior (plaza - material) and the transition (basilica -location) and the threshold to be crossed into a separate space are essential features for our concept.

The pavilion is a closed, protected room with reference to the sacral calmness one experiences stepping into a basilica or other similar building. By using a uniform material (wood covered with a Plexiglas cover) a simplifying effect is created, enhancing the perception of light and shadow.

The perforated shell provides diffuse natural light. The possibility of hanging separation walls gives flexibility for variable exhibition screenings or other functions.