Mario Cucinella Architects (MCA) has unveiled a 3D printed amphitheater titled “A Flower in San Servolo” on Venice’s San Servolo Island. The open-air structure was presented during the Green Design Days 2025, coinciding with the Venice Architecture Biennale. Designed as a community space for dialogue and performances, the amphitheater features an organic form inspired by a blooming flower.
The project represents a collaboration between architect Mario Cucinella and San Servolo srl, the public company that manages the island. Their aim was to create an inclusive and reversible structure that serves students, residents, and visitors. The amphitheater overlooks San Lazzaro degli Armeni, integrating with the natural lagoon landscape.
‘Thanks to 3D printing and the use of sustainable materials, the structure integrates into the landscape with an organic form that, like a flower, emerges from the ground,’ shares the architect. ‘It is not just a stage space but a place for meeting and dialogue, where tradition and innovation merge in harmony with the environment.’
The construction employed approximately 750 dry-assembled blocks comprising 62 unique module types. These components were 3D printed using a certified sustainable material primarily composed of natural lime. The on-site printing process ran for nearly 200 hours, which reduced transportation emissions while ensuring precise production quality.
The amphitheater utilizes a dry assembly method that allows for future disassembly and reuse of components. Its interlocking modular design provides structural integrity while maintaining visual continuity throughout the form. The lime-based modules were produced directly on the island, further reducing the project’s environmental impact.
Source: designboom.com
