In 2019, Studio Lauria was commissioned by the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Bargello Museums to prepare a comprehensive feasibility plan for the restoration of the church and Museum of Orsanmichele in Florence’s historic centre. Covering approximately 2,700 square metres, the commission addressed the restoration, museum design and functional requirements of one of the city’s most complex and representative monuments in an integrated way.
The scheme proposed a new museum layout for the statues displayed on the first floor, works originally positioned in the tabernacles on the four external sides of the palace. The aim was to clarify the relationship between the sculptures, the building and the history of Florence’s guilds, creating a route that restored the works’ original meaning while meeting restoration requirements.
Accessibility formed an important part of the study. Different options were assessed to make every area of the monument accessible and usable, overcoming the challenges created by level changes and the building’s complex architectural stratification.
The project understands restoration as a process of knowledge and enhancement. Contemporary solutions should not be superimposed on history, but should clarify it, improve inclusivity and make the monument easier to understand, reconciling restoration, safety, visitor orientation and the quality of the museum experience.
Aware of the challenges of globalisation, we draw on Italian creativity to develop projects that respect and enhance local identities and cultures.
