«Mobility is the key to imagining the cities of the future. And cities are the fundamental element to intervene on climate change ». Word Lord Norman Fosterone of the most important architects in the world, author of some iconic buildings such as the Millennium Bridge of London and the Gerkingthe cucumber -shaped skyscraper that stands in the City. We met him in Venice, at the opening of the Biennale Architecture 2025where he presented the project Gateway to Venice’s Waterway, born from the creative collaboration between its Foundation and Porsche: it is a 37 meter long installation that Create a connection with the new electrical means of transportboth on water and on the mainland.
«The idea we married immediately was the creation of a symbolic bridgea platform that showed new possibilities of moving between the channels of the lagoon, more silent and kinder modes with the environment “, adds Foster, then introducing the waterbikes, bicycles to pedal on the water just like on the mainland. “We thought about something Halfway between a gondola and a traditional taxi boats. Because these waterbikes could really be innovative taxis in Venice, considering that they can also travel to electric propulsionjust like e-bikes. Unfortunately, for bureaucratic restrictions related to their excessive speed, we have not had time to make them ».
Basically, Gateway to Venice’s Waterway – open to the Arsenale of Venice until November 23 – is an unusual construction that represents the vision of a transport center for the lagoon, responding to the challenges of the famous Italian city on mobility and starting a debate on sustainable urban change. A work that teaches, that illuminates, that makes you think: it comes to life within the eighth edition of Art of Dreams, The project of Porsche who invites artists or collective to create an installation by letting himself be inspired by the theme of dreams. “Dream arouses the feeling of having unlimited possibilitiesimagining what does not yet exist and conceiving daring solutions », underlines Foster.
Because in the dream, nothing is insurmountable: here is a avant -garde project, which combines the conservation of the historical heritage with advanced mobilityencouraging the future. “Even in Porsche we are characterized by a strong dialectic between tradition and innovation,” he says Michael Mauer, Vice President of Porsche Style. «This means constantly comparing ourselves on how to configure our brand tomorrow from the point of view of identity and authenticity. The exchange with Lord Norman Foster and his study represents for us a precious source of inspiration, because this vision goes Beyond the boundaries of automotive design. It provides us with important impulses for a coherent orientation ».
In concrete terms, Gateway to Venice’s Waterway’s backbone is a massive aluminum structure – light material, resistant and, above all, highly recyclable – which resumes the trellis frame in tubes of the legendary Porsche 917. The kinetic surface, which creates one with the surrounding environment and moves according to the wind by playing with the reflections, is inspired by the cubic motif of the new Macan And it guarantees the least possible environmental impact: “The proposals of the students, whom Porsche encouraged as a company, have expanded the boundaries”, concludes Foster. “That’s why the project, for me, is an exploration. But I like to think that it can also be of inspiration».
Around the hub, symbolic door access to zero emissions mobility, not only gravitate toilet bikes (signed by the company Schiller), but also the splendid Frauscher X Porsche 850 Fantom Airsports boats equipped with a fully electric engine, that of Porsche Macan Turbo. Gateway to Venice’s Waterway is therefore confirmed as a connection point with various Sustainable means of transportto rethink urban mobility. Which is the key to imagining the cities of the future. Which are the key to intervene on climate change.
Source: Vanity Fair
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