Between the 12th of September and the 21st of November 2008 in the cloister of San Francesco the exhibition: Word before Architecture was held as a fringe event of the XI International Architecture Exhibition. This event was curated by Marino Alessandri, Francesco Mattiazzo, Gjlla Giani and Giuseppe Maria Jonghi Lavarini and it was structured into two expositive sections: a presentation of the renovations of the entire convent complex of San Francesco della Vigna together with the reclamation of the adjacent Gasholder area (Alessandri Mattiazzo); and the presentation of some project concerning particularly significant churches because of their structure and the choice of fundamental structural materials (Giani - Jonghi Lavarini).
''These two sections are different but connected by a common denominator: Word before Architecture. A 'Word '(Logos-Verbum) which churches, as they should be thought of and projected, host and give voice in the silence and light of their architecture …A 'Word' which animates the entire life of the historical convent of San Francesco della Vigna'' (Roberto Giraldo, Dean of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, or ISE).
''The idea of reclaiming the Gasholder and the adjacent area apparently is not new, but in fact, it seems totally innovative because of the way it was formulated, consequently the hypothesis of reminding the presence of the Gasholders with a different, absolutely new, use provides a great opportunity'' (Renata Codello, Superintendent of the Artistic and Architectural Heritage of Venice).
''The project of converting the Gasholder into a library supports the hypothesis to create a large library centre on an urban, regional and national scale. I am aware that the Correr Library suffers lack of space and I believe it is the same for the Marciana and Querini Libraries. It is necessary to provide an answer to this demand. If I imagine something for the area of the former Gasholders, not only do I think of the reading and conference rooms of the library, but also of a space for further opportunities of work and gathering'' (Mara Rumiz, Head of Municipal Department of Policies for Residency, Housing, Heritage, Public Works of Venice).
''San Francesco della Vigna convent, a place of contemplation, study and meditation, is a non-place, compared to everyday trivial life. Developing this cultural and spiritual presence is extremely important. This effort to broaden, strengthen and make this library accessible is absolutely necessary and represents a highly valuable performance. All this was made possible through self financing and therefore it may be considered even better a non-place. I am very pleased with the work routinely undertaken at San Francesco della Vigna, that is study, reflection and meditation, and especially with this renovation and project. The restoration which I was able to see is very worthwhile and I hope that the reclamation of all the ex-Gasholder area will be successfully renovated'' (Massimo Cacciari, Mayor of Venice).
C/o Convento S. Francesco della Vigna - Castello 2786 - 30122 VENEZIA - tel. 041.5235341 - fax 041.2414020