09 May 2011

Public or private waterfront?

Private waterfront apartments in Giudecca in Venice
In Venice the water is public space. It functions as the main infrastructure to move within the city. Moving on land is merely something extra offered. The relationship between buildings and water is as in a street in an ordinary urban structure. Walls of private houses are also the walls of public space. But is this relationsship seen elsewhere? Some places old warehouses by rivers or canals have been transformed into hotels or apartments, where you can catch fish from the balcony or just enjoy the character of the water beneath.

Universal design in Venice

Elevator in Venice
Even Venice is accessible despite it's bridges and canals. Here is an example with an elevator by Canal Grande.