OMA's Controversial Fondaco dei Tedeschi Renovation in Venice
The Fondaco dei Tedeschi, a historic trading post on Venice's Grand Canal, has been reimagined as a luxury retail and cultural hub by OMA, led by Rem Koolhaas. The 9,000-square-meter, three-level building will house around 60 boutiques, managed by DFS (Duty Free Shop), a subsidiary of LVMH. OMA's renovation preserves recent additions in concrete and brick, adding new finishes like gold and red for the escalator, while revealing centuries-old features. British architect Jamie Fobert is designing the commercial interiors. The project, declared a monument in 1987, has sparked debate among citizens, politicians, and historians about its impact on local identity. The new name's 'T' evokes 'travel,' aiming to serve both tourists and Venetians.
Key facts
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi dates back to the 13th century.
- OMA's renovation covers 9,000 square meters over three levels.
- The building will feature approximately 60 boutiques.
- DFS (Duty Free Shop), part of LVMH, manages the space.
- Jamie Fobert is the architect for commercial interiors.
- The project has been controversial among locals and scholars.
- The building was declared a monument in 1987.
- New finishes include gold and red for the escalator.
Entities
Artists
- Rem Koolhaas
- Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli
- Francesco Moncada
- Silvia Sandor
- Jamie Fobert
Institutions
- OMA
- DFS (Duty Free Shop)
- LVMH
- Artribune
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Canal Grande
- Fondaco dei Tedeschi
- Rialto Bridge