The new Civic Center by 3TI Progetti in Villacidro, Italy, is sited at an important reference point for the city, due to both its history and natural features. Located in the "historic garden of the Episcopal Palace," the new center re-interprets the surrounding urban elements, redefining the relationships between its urban and natural surroundings. Read more about this project after the break.
The architects' inspiration for the project came from the Italian poet Gabriel D’Annunzio who describes the local waterfall of Villacidro in his 1882 poem, “Sa Spendula.” Opening with the words, “Densely covered in celandines and thorn bushes / the rocks stand in front of me / like a strange people of athletes / petrified by the power of a spell. […],” he describes the specific qualities of the landscape surrounding Villacidro, located at the mouth of a valley between mountains. The urban qualities of Villacidro have been defined by this landscape morphology, with buildings clinging to the rocky topology, forming terraces squares and gardens; and narrow streets and steep stairs.
The new civic center is located at a higher elevation, within the historic garden of the Episcopal Palace. With minimal land use, the function of the garden terraces are left intact as much as possible. The complex opens to the city, becoming a park, theatre, forum and arena, as well as studio, workshop and exhibit space. The building has a direct relationship to the historic center of the city, with various programs taking place within both the Episcopal Palace and nearby, renovated former prisons.
News via V2Com
