Pritzker Architecture Prize 2023 laureate Sir David Chipperfield meets the public at The Home of the Human Safety Net on Sunday 12th November

Venice – Pritzker Architecture Prize 2023 laureate Sir David Chipperfield, the architect behind the restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie in Venice, will be in conversation with Manuela Lucà-Dazio, Executive Director of The Pritzker Architecture Prize, on Sunday 12^th November at 11:30 in the Home of the Human Safety Net, hosted in Procuratie Vecchie. The event will be introduced by the Chairman of The Human Safety Net Foundation, Gabriele Galateri di Genola.

Today, Procuratie Vecchie is the Home of the Foundation, whose mission is to unlock the potential of people living in vulnerable circumstances, so that they can transform the lives of their families and communities in 26 countries in the world. The Home is at the heart of this movement of people helping people, a hub dedicated to discussion on the issues of social inclusion and sustainability and a laboratory for social innovation, open to the local and international community. The Venice World Sustainability Capital Foundation is located in the Procuratie Vecchie, together with the Council of Europe and the Europa Nostra hub.

Sir David Chipperfield stated: “It is a pleasure to return to Venice for a preview screening of the Pritzker Architecture Prize virtual ceremony. Receiving the Pritzker Prize earlier this year was an enormous honour and a valued recognition of the many projects we have created in collaboration with our clients. It has also given me great encouragement to champion the collective and societal purpose of architecture, a theme that I was given space to explore in this city in 2012, as director of the 13th Architecture Biennale. As the dual emergencies of environmental degradation and social inequality become increasingly urgent, one of the most important things that we architects can do is to prioritise the reuse of existing buildings and consider their civic role in contributing to a living city and community – in this sense, the Procuratie Vecchie is an excellent place to reflect on the future of the architectural profession. I look forward to an open discussion with Manuela Lucà-Dazio, executive director of The Pritzker Architecture Prize, and with the local community.”

Manuela Lucà-Dazio, executive director of The Pritzker Architecture Prize, stated: “Venice is the unifying link, the ‘common ground’ that brings together David, myself, the Pritzker Prize and the Home of the Human Safety Net. Venice has been home not only for me but also to the many architects and artists coming here each year to share their work and their vision with the rest of the world. And it is here, where David has realised one of his most meaningful projects, the restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie. We are drawn to David's architecture because he creates a sense of belonging for all of us - to a certain place, as an individual, as a citizen, and as part of a community. His built works offer not only a showcase for specific contents or activities, but also a place interwoven within the city, breaking down boundaries and inviting the public at large to engage.”

Gabriele Galateri di Genola, Chairman of The Human Safety Net Foundation, stated: “We welcome back Sir David Chipperfield, who has brought the Home of the Procurators of St. Mark to its ancient splendour and given this building a new social mission. The Procuratie Vecchie are a place closely linked to the history of Generali, which shares St Mark's Lion as a symbol. This project for the Home of The Human Safety Net, the opening of the bookstore, and the restoration of the Royal Gardens in partnership with Venice Garden Foundation, are part of the broader vision for the restoration of the entire Marciana area and will foster new development opportunities for the city.”  

A series of interventions that address the complexity of the work through a flexible approach characterized David Chipperfield Architects Milan’s work in the Procuratie Vecchie, which opened to the public in 2022.

The challenge in the recovery and redevelopment of a building of historical and monumental importance, such as the Procuratie Vecchie, was to bring new life to one of the masterpieces of Venetian architecture of the 16th century, respecting its historical features but at the same time adapting them to the needs of modern, everyday use. Today the Procuratie Vecchie represent a showcase of modern technologies and sustainability.

The renovation of the Procuratie Vecchie is part of a broader restoration of the entire area around St. Mark's Square, which Generali has supported with pride and passion. This vision included renovating the Royal Gardens in partnership with the Venice Gardens Foundation and the opening of the bookstore.

The event will be broadcast live at 11:50 CET on Facebook at The Home of The Human Safety Net and The Pritzker Architecture Prize.


THE HUMAN SAFETY NET

For more information and reservations: events@thehumansafetynet.org
thehumansafetynet.org
visit@thehumansafetynet.org

The interactive exhibition “A World of Potential”, housed on the third floor of the Procuratie Vecchie, is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm from November 1st to March 31st (last entrance h 5.10 pm) and from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm from April 1st to October 31st (last entrance h 6.10 pm). On Thursdays, the exhibition is open at the same times with access to the terraces and admission is free for residents of Venice and the Metropolitan City, students up to the age of 26 with a valid student card and Carta Venezia Unica holders.

Half of the ticket and donations supports the programmes of The Human Safety Net, the Generali Foundation active in 26 countries to support vulnerable families with children aged 0-6 and refugees.