Gran Caffè Quadri aims to democratise the Biennale Architettura by transforming the outdoor terrace of Gran Caffè Quadri in Piazza San Marco, which is often considered coffee’s historical gateway to Europe. The intervention celebrates Venice’s multiculturalism and diversity, using coffee as a medium for ongoing cultural dialogue. Rather than creating something entirely new, Gran Caffè Quadri adopts a “make-up” approach, temporarily enhancing the existing space with subtle yet meaningful elements that amplify its historical and cultural significance. The goal is to curate an enriched experience that invites deeper engagement with the space and honours its legacy. By layering new cultural elements onto the established context, Gran Caffè Quadri invites visitors to reflect on Venice’s multicultural identity, offering a fresh way to experience the space while honouring its historical and cultural significance.
Participants
TERESA SAPEY + PARTNERS MADRID, SPAIN Teresa Sapey, Cuneo, Italy, 1962. Lives and works in Madrid, Spain. Francesca Heathcote Sapey, Madrid, Spain, 1990. Lives and works in Madrid, Spain.
AARON BETSKY, Missoula, Montana, USA, 1958. Lives and works in Philadelphia, USA.
Technical Collaborators
Agnoletti & Partners; Gaggio SRL; M.1947 (Procurement Advisory); D&S SRL; Piermaria Design; Lowpoly; Uno Contract; Viabizzuno
Team
Beatriz de Miguel-Sin Campmany, Carla Rotenberg, Elvira Palacios Ramos, Francesca Heathcote Sapey, Guadalupe Chamie, Marialuisa Crespi, Marco Meza, Sofi a Pantoni, Santiago León, Ximena Castro-Mendivil
Thanks
Raffaele Alajmo, Gran Caff è Quadri; Andrea Mevorach; Gianni Moriani
Supporters
Andrea Maligno, Beatrice Gal, Carla Rotenberg, Edgar Rafael González, Elena Armando, José María Sicilia, Leonardo Maligno, Pierpaolo Agnoletti, Rocco Plessi
