Architects: David Chipperfield Architects
Area: 1880 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Edmund Sumner
Manufacturers: Viabizzuno
Design Architects: David Chipperfield Architects srl, Milan, Italy
Partners in Charge: David Chipperfield, Giuseppe Zampieri
Associate Director: Giuseppe Sirica
Associates: Federica Zerbo, Marie Mincke
Project Architect: Carlo Zucchia
Project Team: Filippo Carcano, Francesca Carino, Tommaso Certo, Gionata Comacchio, Andrea Garcia Crespo, Andrea del Pedro Pera, Stefano Goffi, Tsukasa Goto, Juan Laborda Herrero, Noa Ikeuchi, Maris Kojuharov, Eugenio Matteazzi
Project Coordinator: Laboratorio Morseletto srl
Lighting Consultant: Mario Nanni
Stone Supplier and Installation: Laboratorio Morseletto srl
General Contractor: Laboratorio Morseletto srl
City: Zovencedo
Country: Italy
Cava Arcari, a performance venue designed by David Chipperfield Architects and Laboratorio Morseletto in Zovencedo, near Vicenza, transforms a historic stone quarry into a dynamic space for artistic performances. By utilizing the inherent structural and aesthetic qualities of the site, the project seamlessly integrates architectural interventions with the natural environment. Inspired by ancient Roman theatres, the design introduces minimalistic elements such as platforms, steps, and ramps, which complement the existing cave structures. This initiative not only preserves but also accentuates the unique character of the caves.
Positioned beyond typical architectural commissions or classifications, developed from a longstanding professional partnership between David Chipperfield Architects and Laboratorio Morseletto. This collaboration focused on designing a performance venue within the Arcari caves, formerly a source of Pietra di Vicenza stone, utilizing the expertise of Morseletto in crafting traditional Venetian stone and marble.
Shaped by 60 years of quarrying, the caves feature a cavernous space underpinned by massive, irregular piers and largely submerged under water beneath a wooded hill in Zovencedo, near Vicenza. Upon entering, visitors encounter a seamless unity of space, material, and structure, where nature and architecture appear to mirror each other. Inspired by these remarkable characteristics, the Morseletto family frequently hosted informal events in the caves, which spurred the development of a more enduring solution.
The inherent romantic and structural characteristics of the quarry, accentuated by the carved stone and filtered water, necessitated only minimal interventions. The project reintroduces the characteristic white Vicenza stone through a series of platforms, steps, and ramps that evoke Adolphe Appia’s stage sets. These platforms, termed ‘Cavea’, draw inspiration from the stepped tiers found in ancient Roman theatres. This design approach fosters a dialogue between the natural architecture of the caves and the structured stage and seating platforms, which symbolize both occupation and performance.
Vicenza stone is exclusively used in the project, reflecting a continuity with the site’s historical quarrying activities; the stone is both incorporated and removed in this process. The ambient and stage lighting, designed by Viabizzuno, further enriches the environment, with the adjacent water-filled chambers illuminated from below to enhance the visual impact. This approach has resulted in a multifunctional space that preserves and accentuates the distinctive features of the location.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 36020 Zovencedo, Province of Vicenza, Italy
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
