Procuratie Vecchie

The project for the restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie in piazza San Marco, Venice, is the perfect representation of the ability of architecture to bring detail to the public dimension, adding value to both. Headquarters of the generali insurance company since 1832, the Procuratie Vecchie is an impressive building extending for a length of 152 metres. Located in one of the most famous and protected places in the world, it was designed in the first half of the 16th century as the residence of the public prosecutors – the most important figures in the administrative hierarchy after the doge. It was subsequently of inspiration for the construction of the façades of all the other buildings in the square.

In 2017, generali engaged David Chipperfield Architects to create a project for the restoration of the entire building. The architectural studio based its approach on principles and actions that were able to adapt to the discoveries that emerged gradually as work progressed, allowing the building to speak and tell the story of its various layers.

Considering the complexity of the architectural project, creating the lighting design meant, above all, satisfying every requirement: functional lighting, lighting to enhance the architecture and decorations, lighting to reflect the building’s historical features.

The spaces dedicated to the prestigious offices on the first and second floor are all characterised by valuable frescoes and stuccoes which give every room a personality of its own. With this in mind, non-invasive lighting was designed, avoiding intervention on the walls and ceilings. The mn sistema floor lamps present a dual lighting solution: on one hand, the direct lighting of desks and working areas with no glare, thanks to louvre optics, and on the other, indirect ambient lighting to prevent damage to the artistic elements, thanks to the exceptional quality of the led lights. A special version of n55 parete con braccio was created for the passageways, such as the grand staircase and the corridors. Reflecting the concept of torches and candlesticks, it fits perfectly into the antique context, adding a contemporary touch. The reorganisation of the access to the various floors required the creation of a new stair element, which features a modern, minimalist style while conveying the history of the place. Here, the light is provided by A1 con linea di luce, the clean and discreet linearity of which guarantees the lighting quality without having an excessive impact on the space.

The third floor consists of a sequence of fifteen elegant, streamline stone arches which form a stunning corridor which extends for a length of 80 metres, in which the A1 track and n55 spotlights were used. At the end of this space, you can access the grand auditorium. The grid of beams in the auditorium was used to house ariacablata, a system of trunking which makes it possible not only to supply linear or spot lighting solutions, but all larger equipment, like mobile heads, speakers, screens, etc, concealing the wiring. This room is the final synthesis of a concept that guided the intent of the entire project: to highlight the communication between past and present, using new technologies that enhance and preserve this unique architecture while never being invasive.