The guiding principle behind Schiavello Architects’ design for the Starfish Square in Tropea, Calabria, Italy was to create a symbolic focal point for the city that could bring social groups together. The project uses a starfish as the base form for the design.
More images and information after the break.
The starfish was selected as a starting point for the formal layout of the project because of Tropea’s strong connection to marine life. The city is located in the Italian province of Calabria, in which the sea is a critical element, rich with life. Being a five-pointed element with a focal point, the starfish plan has a central disc from which all points radiate.
SAO adopted this form as the center of the square, out of which the five “arms” spill out into streets. They pull visitors from all points into the heart of the space created by the architects. The eye-catching elements on the ground are what will lure tourists into the space which changes from day to night. In the daylight circular marks will guide the way, whereas at night, strips of LEDs will create affects for visitors to marvel at.
Architects: Schiavello Architects Office Location: Tropea, Italy Organizer: City of Tropea -Departement of Architects of Vibo Valentia Size: 4000 sqm Construction budget: € 1.000.000,00 Design team: Francesco Schiavello, Giulio Patrizi Year: 2010
