Sabbionara Center

Sabbionara means ‘Gate of Sand’

Sabbionara Center is a department of the Archaeological Museum, that houses archaeological offices and workshops open to the public. It aims to
illuminate the historical and societal evolutions that have sculpted the city and engage visitors in a dialogue about the interwoven historic
fragments of the city, by allowing getting close to the archaeological work.

The project aims to create a building that seamlessly blends into the site, harmonizing with the natural topography and becoming a natural extension of the Venetian fortification of Chania, Greece.

the concept

The main idea of the project was to integrate the historical elements that get the visitor to discover the fragments of the landscape and experience a smooth urban transition between different times of history. This alternation of the Venetian harbor and the historic Turkish neighborhood enables the possibility of dynamic layering. The concept is based on an experiential path that aims to serve as an interface between history and the surrounding landscape, enabling visitors to sharpen their senses and immerse themselves in a unique experience.