The Punta della Dogana (Customs House) is a triangular-shaped complex that rises in an area of Venice by the same name lying between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal. The project that restructured the building transforming it into an exhibition space was designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando (2006): it retains the characteristic warehouse layout but introduces a full-height structure with a square concrete base in a barycentric position – one of Ando’s signature features – thereby creating a sort of cubic courtyard that serves as the focal point of the exhibition itinerary. This develops on two levels, until it reaches the pinnacle of the building where the Tower of Fortune, with its characteristic golden globe, rises. Yet again, for the Punta della Dogana renovation project I was able to photograph the restoration work from its commencement/construction site, all the way through to its completion.
