Public institutions are often judged long before any interaction takes place. Architecture plays a significant role in shaping these perceptions, influencing how citizens interpret concepts such as authority, accessibility, trust, and safety. This project explored how the design of a new police headquarters could contribute to redefining the relationship between public institutions and the communities they serve.

Developed in collaboration with Politecnica, the proposal investigated the future headquarters of the Venice Metropolitan Police in Mestre. The study examined how spatial organisation, environmental quality, and public accessibility influence both civic experience and institutional identity.

Particular attention was devoted to arrival sequences, public interfaces, circulation systems, and the distinction between civic and operational functions. Rather than presenting the building exclusively as a symbol of authority, the project explored how architecture can communicate openness, transparency, and service. Environmental legibility and user experience were treated as essential components of public trust.

The resulting concept proposed a civic environment capable of balancing operational efficiency with a more welcoming and recognisable public presence. Informed by neuroscience and environmental psychology, the project demonstrates how architecture can contribute to strengthening the relationship between citizens and institutions through spaces that are easier to understand, navigate, and emotionally engage with.

Works List

Year: 2021
Location: Venice
Service: Neuro Brief
Status: in design
Size: 6.000 mq