Unesco Reviewing Controversial ‘Black Cube’ Project in Florence
The Neo-Classical building, whose nearly 30m high, dark-coloured modern addition was designed by Vittorio Grassi architects, has consistently been the subject of controversy
Photo: Florence Order of Architects
Unesco is reviewing the controversial ‘black cube’ luxury apartment redevelopment of Florence’s former Teatro Comunale opera house, The Art Newspaper reports.
The Neo-Classical building, whose nearly 30m high, dark-coloured modern addition was designed by Vittorio Grassi architects, has been the subject of controversy since its construction site opened in 2022. It has since prompted protests and even a criminal investigation into 15 of those involved with the project, which alleges forgery, planning offences and violations of Italy’s cultural heritage and landscape code.
Unesco’s investigation encompasses a review by the World Heritage Centre in close consultation with the Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Committee, and concerns the World Heritage status of Florence’s historic city centre, which the area has possessed since 1982. The situation also raises questions surrounding the future of Florence’s heritage, which critics argue is increasingly being subjugated by tourism and investments.
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