The project deals with the conversion of a portion of a disused industrial warehouse to a multifunctional space that accommodates both the A.I.V.E. (Italian Vintage Sailboats Association) headquarters and some ship-maintainance activities.

The shed is placed just next to the Italian Yacht Club, in Genova’s famous harbor. We designed a large glazed curtain wall overlooking the sea and we completely cleared the ground floor so that as much space as possible can be used. This way the freed space can be used for exposition and teaching activities.

The maintenance of an old sailing boat requires a particular proficiency and passion that is nearly lost today. In the space we envisioned, AIVE can find a place where they can pass on this passion. “Capomastri” and “maestri d’ascia”, the craftsmen that traditionally build sail boats, will be able to teach young trainees the secrets of an otherwise lost profession.

The upper part of the warehouse will host a meeting room and a conference space. The cladding materials used are recovered and recycled from local shipyards, thus reducing the building costs while creating a strongly evocative space.