Daniel Buren's controversial Piazza Verdi redesign opens in La Spezia
Daniel Buren's long-delayed and over-budget redesign of Piazza Verdi in La Spezia, Italy, has been inaugurated, though completion is expected within a month. The project, co-signed with architect Giannantonio Vannetti, aims to pedestrianize the square, previously a traffic thoroughfare. Buren's intervention features a progression of colorful arches framing the background, inspired by the mosaic of the nearby Palazzo delle Poste, along with black-and-white pillars. The work has faced public backlash due to costs doubling from €2 million to €3.7 million and significant delays. Buren noted that similar controversies accompanied his Palais Royal installation in Paris, which later attracted 90 million visitors over 30 years.
Key facts
- Daniel Buren co-designed the redesign of Piazza Verdi in La Spezia with architect Giannantonio Vannetti.
- The project was inaugurated but remains incomplete, with final completion expected in one month.
- The square will be fully pedestrianized after the work is finished.
- Costs doubled from an initial €2 million to €3.7 million.
- The project faced public criticism for its high cost and delays.
- Buren's intervention includes colorful arches and black-and-white pillars.
- The arches are inspired by the mosaic of Palazzo delle Poste in the same square.
- Buren compared the controversy to his Palais Royal installation, which later saw 90 million visitors in 30 years.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Buren
Institutions
- Artribune
Locations
- La Spezia
- Italy
- Piazza Verdi
- Palazzo delle Poste
- Paris
- Palais Royal