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A Walk Through Venezia

Shrunga S N
Dec 6, 2015
1 min read

You find more about a city when you get lost in it, and this city gives perfect opportunity for it. Commonly known as Venice is a cluster of closely packed islands lying in a lagoon off main land of Italy. We often miss the engineering of the city as we look at the glamorous gondola filled canals. Beauty of the city lies in how Venetians quite literally live by the edge, still preserve and function in their historic urban fabric. The foundation of this city was laid by driving thousands of tree trunks into earth to act as pile foundation. The islands are separated by 150 canals and connected by over 400 bridges. The city from early days was planned to handle water interactions in every sense. The canals along with general transport, gives way to emergencies, ambulances, weddings, funerals and of course, thousands of tourists. Essentials are brilliantly planned into the city. Bridges and walkways are layered; bottom layer of it to carry water, electricity and gas lines. The canals have controlled water flow which helps water circulation. Artsian wells for fresh water and catchment points to recharge the wells were planned in city squares. The structures in Venice have non permeable stone masonry foundation to ward off the degenerative effects of water, non load bearing brick outer walls super structure. Venetians are constantly evolving techniques to keep the aesthetic of the city intact. This historic, floating city is more about how well the society functions against all odds of nature and change.