C+S Architects

The PML is a module designed to monitor the chemical and physical make-up of the air and water in the Venice Lagoon.

In this seascape dotted with structures ranging from wooden poles to small constructions like power generators, tide recorders and religious capitals, the module is a distinctive and noticeable feature of the ten stations that form the monitoring network. The PML is energy self-sufficient (it runs on photovoltaic panels) and communicates by satellite with the network’s operations centre. It was also designed to minimise the risk of vandalism and equipment theft.

The structure is sealed by first rotating the cowl on the top and then leaving by the steps, which slide vertically upwards on counterweights to make the entrance level inaccessible while also serving as a door to close the module.

The upper part consists of a fibreglass shell and floor; the base, which supports the module and serves as a protective enclosure for an electochemical probe, is made of recycled plastic with co-extruded internal reinforcement. The need to measure low concentrations of heavy metals meant that the lowrer support structure could not be made of metal.