Documentary explores Carlo Scarpa's deep bond with Japan

A new documentary titled "Il Padiglione sull'Acqua" by Stefano Croci and Silvia Siberini delves into the profound connection between Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa (1906–1978) and Japanese culture. Scarpa, who died in Sendai after a fall, was deeply inspired by Japanese aesthetics, philosophy, and craftsmanship. The film, shot on 16 mm, features his iconic architecture and includes interviews with his son Tobia Scarpa, former students Guido Pietropoli, Giovanni Soccol, Guido Guidi, and researcher J.K. Mauro Pierconti. It also explores the link between Scarpa and poet Matsuo Bashō, who share the same death date of November 28. The title references Scarpa's floating pavilion for the Brion Tomb in Treviso, evoking Venice, Shinto temples, and the flow of water and time. The documentary has been screened at Biografilm Festival and Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam, and on January 22 at the MAXXI Museum in Rome.