A Timeless Tribute: Memoriale Brion

Unveiling the Symbolism and Genius Behind Carlo Scarpa's Masterpiece

So, in my last post, I was all about Asolo's charm. But what truly stole my heart lies just a stone's throw away—the Memoriale Brion. This marvel, crafted by the brilliant Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, has been causing a stir lately, especially since it made a cameo in the latest Dune movie. And let me tell you, despite being a child of the '70s, this place has a vibe that's straight out of the future.

The Memoriale Brion is the final resting place of the Brion family, who were quite significant in their time. Commissioned in 1969 by Onorina Brion Tomasin as a tribute to her beloved husband, Giuseppe Brion, the visionary behind the iconic electronics company Brionvega.

Onorina's unwavering devotion knew no bounds as she entrusted Scarpa with the task of fashioning a space that would echo their enduring love for generations to come. With no budget constraints to stifle his creativity, he poured his soul into every intricate detail, infusing the site with profound symbolism and breathtaking design.

As you wander through the Memoriale Brion, you'll find yourself immersed in Scarpa's world of profound themes—love, eternity, and peace woven into every corner. One of the most poignant symbols gracing this sanctuary is the recurring motif of two intertwined circles, symbolizing the infinite bond shared between Giuseppe and Onorina. It's like their love is woven into the very fabric of the place.

Scarpa's love for Japanese aesthetics is palpable, particularly evident in the tranquil pavilion poised delicately over a reflective pool, adorned with delicate water lilies and graceful Koi. A serene oasis inviting you to lose yourself in quiet contemplation.

But what really impresses is the attention to detail. Scarpa didn't miss a beat, from hand-picking materials to ensuring every plant was trimmed to perfection. And when you realize that the entire place is aligned with the constellation Lyra, with Vega—the brightest star in the constellation—integrated into the name of the Brionvega company, it adds an astronomical dimension to the architectural narrative. Let's just say it's pretty mind-blowing.

The heart of the complex is the arcosolium, a low, arching structure covered in shimmering glass tiles backed with gold leaf, which shelters the sarcophagi of Giuseppe and Onorina Brion. The sarcophagi are symbolically inclined towards each other, eternally reaching out in a gesture of love.

The Memoriale Brion was completed posthumously in 1978 following Scarpa's death in Japan. The project stands as one of Scarpa's most complex, original, and significant works.

In a discreet corner, bridging the private memorial and the public cemetery, lies the tomb of Carlo Scarpa himself, alongside his wife Nini Lazzari, crafted by their son Tobia Scarpa.

So, there you have it—the Memoriale Brion. It's not just a building; it's a love letter, a tribute to the enduring power of love, life, and everything in between.