Sant’Elena

Site Description

The island first developed around the Church and Monastery of Sant’Elena. Napoleonic laws and 19th-century transformations drastically changed the area with important building works extending its territory until it became part of the historic city. Today, the island of Sant’Elena consists of two docks for private boats to the east, a sports complex that includes a stadium (home to the Serie A football team Venezia F.C) and the “Francesco Morosini” Naval Military School to the south. To the west there is a residential area surrounded by a green area that includes part of the Giardini della Biennale, and the ACTV shipyard; the municipal company responsible for managing public transport, which has now moved its activities to Tronchetto.

Site Opportunities

Could the design bring together or celebrate the peculiar mix of programme found on the island? Housing, accessibility, urban and green landscape may be important considerations, as may the significance of the island as home for the Venice football club. The site, with its existing marina, cultural and green sporting areas provides opportunity for continuity between the settlements to the south with those to the north on the island of Olivolo.