VENICE – There seems to be no peace for the Constitution Bridge, better known as the Calatrava bridge, the architect who designed it and handed it over to the city 15 years ago. The windows that make up the parapet have been the constant object of vandalism over the years, often constituting the privileged showcase for graffiti artists to launch messages of all kinds. And, in the last few hours, to disfigure the side of the bridge facing Mestre, an anarchist writing in large letters also appeared, occupying the entire length of the upper span of the bridge.
CLEANING
Punctual yesterday afternoon the intervention of the Municipality of Venice which, through Veritas, started the removal of the writing. In particular, a specialized technician from the Venetian company Venitech, a leader in the cleaning and treatment of surfaces through the use of nanotechnology, intervened: «Thanks to the use of nanotechnological products it is possible to completely remove the writing without affecting the underlying material and without risk for passers-by – explains Alberto Bortolozzo, who carried out the cleaning operation -. The nanoparticles that make up this product act only on the paint used for the writing, removing it quickly and without the need to use chemical solvents harmful to the environment and health». Yesterday’s intervention lasted 40 minutes, under the eyes of an uninterrupted line of commuters who crowded in the central lane of the bridge, in order not to risk slipping on the two lateral glass lanes, made slimy by humidity and ice. The delimitation of the intervention area aroused the interest of many passers-by, lined up in an attempt to cross the Grand Canal unharmed.
APPLAUSE
Many applauded the technician’s work, complimenting him on what he was doing, but even more numerous were those who, seeing him work, took the opportunity to point out the many other writings that dot the entire glass arch of the balustrade. Among the people in the queue, a real debate on the issue immediately arose which prompted more than someone even to identify the causes of so much degradation in the lack of controls in the area, especially at night.
«The total removal of the graffiti carried out on this bridge in recent years has been decided, the last one dates back only to last summer – remembers Bortolozzo -. Unfortunately, after each cleaning, writings and drawings inexorably reappear in a continuous cycle… In any case, it’s nice to hear that people appreciate our work». Within minutes the first few letters of the writing began to disappear under the scratch cloth used to remove them.

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