When Kahn came to Venice

It is one of the great 'what ifs of architectural history'. Louis Kahn's Palazzo dei Congressi should have been one of the most exciting new works of architecture to be built in Venice for generations. A reinforced concrete structure hung like a bridge spanning a canal in the Arsenale and offering views of the city and the lagoon from openings in its roof, the congress centre 'might have rivaled the Kimball Museum, the Salk Institute, and the Parliament of Dhaka among his masterworks.'

Instead, by the time of Kahn's death in 1974 and following a site move and subsequent re-design, the architect's only project for Italy remained unrealised.

The project for the Palazzo commission forms the focal point for an exhibition dedicated to Kahn's special relationship with Italy - specifically it's architectural heritage - which is currently on show at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles (until 19 March). As well as his original plans and models, Kahn in Venice also showcases an extensive collection of sketches drawn by the architect during his main visits to the country in 1928-9 and 1950.

Follow the link to Form Mag for more details about Kahn's work in Italy.