Author(s)

C. CLARK

Abstract

The Arsenale in Venice, both a naval dockyard and a commercial shipyard, is the prototype for industrial production in the western world. The magnificence of its architecture and industrial structures reflects the creativity of its management and the commercial power of Venice in the Mediterranean, but they also present a challenge to present-day conservation and the search for contemporary reuse. Heritage tourism is often seen as the most appropriate new activity for historic defence sites, but the overwhelming dominance of visitors generated by the Biennales of Art and Architecture, which are taking over an increasing area of the Arsenale, is contributing to the increasing depopulation of the city. Technological innovation and research in the northern part is a welcome diversion from this process.

Keywords

architecture, Arsenale, depopulation, heritage tourism, innovation