University Island

Only few settings can boast the charm of a desert island. From Mompracem to Robinson Crusoe, the island is a place of adventure, exile and shipwreck.

Failure and salvation at the same time –  the place of the unconscious before being a real geographic site – an island is the place where people challenge themselves getting used to silence and nature,  face amazing challenges.  In one of the most charming places in the world, a few kilometers far from San Marco’s bell tower in Venice, a fascinating authentic island skimmed by waters, emerges shyly: Poveglia.

Despite its area extent and beauty that mark the difference between Poveglia and the other lagoon islands, over the last years this incomparable gemstone had to undergo, a disastrous decline. Without any connection to the mainland, abandoned for almost 50 years, today in  Poveglia a thick vegetation has grown wild affecting every cultivation and crushing every architecture.

Venice has never completely forgot  Poveglia, but its citizens stopped visiting the island over time has become a natural setting for the grimmest tales and fantastic rumors. But, this situation will soon change. The Italian Government  – the owner of the estate –  has lately put a spotlight on Poveglia, in order to make a reuse of the island possible.

In the wake of this purpose, YAC launches University Island, a project to transform Poveglia into a dream university campus; a place of  training, leisure and relax for the many students gathering in Venice.

How to transform a desert island into a spearheading study and research center?

Which architecture should be integrated in one of the most delightful locations in the Venetian Lagoon in order to create an international campus to equal the value of one of the most stunning cities in the world? How to transform a desert island into a spearheading study and research center?

On these questions, YAC,  with the support of RIAM, lays the foundations for University Island inviting all the designers to feel completely fascinated by the magnificence of one of the most breathtaking places of the Venetian Lagoon and to plan a new future composed by activities, good attendance and the vitality of thousands of students who every year choose Venice as an esteemed location for their studies.

Yac thanks all the architects who will take part in this challenge.