David Chipperfield to restore The Procuratie Vecchie, Generali’s historic home in Venice

Generali Group, one of the world’s leading insurers, announced the global launch of The Human Safety Net, a new flagship initiative to help some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. The Human Safety Net, powered by Generali, is open to alliances and partnerships with like-minded people and organisations.

The Human Safety Net is based on the idea that communities of ‘people helping people’ can bring about sustainable change, creating a positive ripple effect. It reflects Generali’s commitment to contribute towards a healthy, resilient and sustainable society where people can develop and flourish to their full potential.

As part of its long-term commitment, Generali will create a Home for The Human Safety Net in one of its most prized real estate assets: the Procuratie Vecchie in the iconic Piazza San Marco in Venice.

As a city with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and synonymous with imagination, ingenuity and openness, Venice is the ideal host for The Human Safety Net. Generali will undertake a unique restoration of the Procuratie Vecchie that will bring together other parts of the square and the Royal Gardens. When complete, it will re-establish the historic paths and flow to and from Piazza San Marco.

Generali has appointed renowned architect David Chipperfield to restore the building, applying an approach and sensibility that will allow for a respectful transformation of the monumental Procuratie Vecchie into the vibrant heart of The Human Safety Net. The Procuratie Vecchie will provide an open door for people to seek inspiration from programmes, exchange ideas, and volunteer to take collective action. The hub will host regular public exhibitions, events and discussions on pressing social and demographic challenges from poverty to migration.

David Chipperfield, Principal of David Chipperfield Architects: “The Human Safety Net and its home in Venice, a city steeped in history and culture, brings together knowledge and inspiration for the common good. I am delighted to be working on this architecturally and socially coherent project, which will convey and connect ideas and people around the world. Working closely with Generali, we have a vision to transform the Procuratie Vecchie into a more active and engaged space, which embodies the global mission of The Human Safety Net, while retaining the dignified beauty and history of the buildings.”