Auditorium Plan, preliminary outline
The works of Mario Botta defined the substantial renovation that has taken place in Fondazione Querini Stampalia. It started with the acquisition of some properties near the historical Palace. The enlargement of the entire complex started in late 1994 and concerned the whole reorganization of the building.
The Ticinese architect continued to work on the new wing alongside the restoration works started by Carlo Scarpa. The references to essential lines are clear and intentional like the matches and the contrasts of materials and colours: stone and metal, black and white, grey and red.
Botta moved the main entrance to Campo Santa Maria Formosa, which the new properties looked out onto, and in so doing, he preserved Carlo Scarpa's works from continuous adjustments due to different needs. Moreover, he concentrated all services on the ground floor: foyer, ticket office, cloakroom, bookshop, coffee bar. He also improved the accessibility with a new staircase and new elevators.
He focused his attention on an open courtyard that has become the real focus of the entire complex.
The Auditorium with its hundred and thirty-two seats completes the project. It is well equipped with sophisticated technology and an independent main entrance.
The building work also includes a new cloakroom access system comparable to the Campo Santa Maria Formosa, thanks to the restoration of the 16th century bridge that is now usuable and was completed with an external platform designed for receptions and as a rest area.