The Venice Center for Maritime Training pays homage to the history of the Arsenale and the rich history of the Venetian Navy. This project proposes the insertion of the training facility within the Galleazze de Arsenale, a warehouse in which Venetian galley ships were assembled. Drawing inspiration from the rowing teams that powered the Venetian naval vessels, this project proposes a training center for maritime students in which spaces for rowing, diving, vessel engine repair, and vessel model workshops are provided to help train a new generation of Venetian maritime workers. This program acknowledges the heightened presence and volume of tourism in Venice that threatens to overshadow all of its other economies.
The project takes interest in the capture and reuse of waste heat as a by product of the welding and fabrication shops. It uses this waste heat to preheat the water for the diving pool and rowing tanks. Formally, the interior volumes reflect this collection of water and heat. The locker rooms are located in a volume suspended at the third level. This allows for heat to be collected from its wastewater. Additionally, given the pressing climate challenges that the world and Venice face, all of the occupied spaces are suspended at least eight feet from grade to prevent damage to interior spaces. The building is essentially floodable.
