The hendiads – from Greek hén dià dyón“one through two” – is a rhetorical figure that splits a concept through two terms of similar meaning. Hendiadys it is also the name of the winning project of the two-phase design competition “Rediscover the past, plan the future”banned last year by the municipal administration of Noicattaro, in the province of Bari, for the redesign of the Villa Comunale, to be enhanced for socialization and meeting purposes.
The first prize was won by the group composed of OPPS architecture – winner among others of the competition for the redevelopment of the ancient Baths of Bratislava – together with the young group of BOA studioto landscape architects Pool Landscape And SANI engineering for the systems.
The doubling occurs here starting from a complete rethinking of the urban void which, if on the one hand is intended as a symbol of aggregation and sociality, on the other focuses on the aesthetic factor through the refunctionalization of street furniture elements, improving the microclimate with new plantings and Mediterranean essences at low maintenance costs.
This is how the design of an open square takes shape, which rediscovers the historical, physical and intangible connections between some of the key points of the town: the Primary School, the Villa Comunale, and the Church of Carmine.
Each dial has a function
The geometries that once defined the traditional Italian garden are subject to a reinterpretation in a contemporary key, expressed through division into quadrants. Each of them is assigned a specific function and, while strictly following the main urban symmetry generated by the road axis that connects the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine with the Alcide De Gasperi Primary School, the grid gives life to the alternation of a theatrical space, a rest area cooled by fountains And a green band of Mediterranean scrub along the architectural backdrop to the south-west.
The principles of inclusion And flexibility they act as a guide to the project, defining a contemporary space, characterized by different areas for continuous and at the same time diversified use.
The variations on geometric and material themes, with references to history through pieces of local limestone, give the project great dynamism, making it harmonious with the context and, at the same time, unique in its kind. The design of the square is, in fact, linked to the paving created on Via Console Positano, set at the same level to ensure total continuity with the road surface which improves usability and perception.
Spaces to stay and spaces to play: the multifunctional vocation of the square
The geometry of the square describes different situations, each with a functional specificity.
Leading the project is the emphasis on the church-school axis compared to the centre-periphery oneimplemented through a large green space that rewrites the vocation of an urban oasis as it once was.
The green belt anticipates the neighboring countryside within the city, translated by the presence of shrubby sectors of Mediterranean scrub and the relocation of five trees in the central part which guarantee the necessary shade for the play area for the little ones.
Spaces for being alternate with spaces for playing.
On the north-east side they alternate two different atmospheres: one linked to parking and water, the other free and flexible for organizing events.
The first is intended to be a place for rest and observation, shaded by the double row of existing holm oaks that overlook a series of benches, with the presence of water features that recall the historical memory of the old fountain.
The second area, like a square within a square, is left without furniture, with the exception of a single large seat, ready to be used for cultural shows, markets or events of various kinds.
The materials: stone, water and vegetation
Overall, the project is characterized by the presence of a few iconic and decisive elements, alternated and varied to identify the various functions. The paved surfaces show the same stone used for the recovery of Piazza Umberto I, a reference to the local traditions and identity of other public spaces, expressed with variations in size. These are accompanied by a continuous flooring in stabilized limestone, which recovers the shades of the stone itself.
In the same way, water plays an important and life-giving role, to all intents and purposes a design element found both in the water jets sector and in the trough at the base of the stele.
The project is completed by the special digital system equipped with a screen, positioned inside the central stele to encourage uan interactive enjoyment of the rewritings of the place; finally, the lighting system carefully balances the artificial supply of light, guaranteeing safety and liveability throughout the day.
BOA studio, pool landscape and OPPS. Who are the designers of the Endiadi proposal
BOASTUDIO is a young company founded in Florence by Valeria Fruzzetti, Fabio Gnassi, Enrico Lanfredini And Giulia Miniaci. It defines itself “a collaborative experiment that interprets the complexity of society through research and architecture”.
pool landscape is the creative project between architecture and landscape by Caterina Gerolimetto, Elisa Frappi And Ilaria Sangaletti. From the garden, to the square, to the urban environment, the studio deals with public and private projects with a sustainable approach and a shared vision of open space in relation to the needs of contemporary living.
OPPS architecture is the studio of Francesco Polci And Antonio Salvi with Paola Chiriatti. Gianluca dell’Abate And Mattia Gennari participated in the project as collaborators.
Final ranking
Jury → Eng. Rosanna Iaccarino • Arch. Antonella Caldarazzi • Arch. Marco Veneziani
- 1st place: OPPS architecture – associated firm (Group leader agent) • Agr. Elisa Frappi – freelancer (principal) • Sani engineering company srl (principal) • Arch. Giulia Miniaci, young professional (principal)
- 2nd place: Arch. Giuseppina Bellapadrona, single freelancer
- 3rd place: Arch. Maggio Lorenzo, freelancer (mandatory group leader) • Arch. Diana Costantino, freelancer (principal) • Agr. Abate Federico, freelancer (principal) • Arch. Rita Mattiello, young professional (principal)
→ competitionawn.it
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published on: 04/08/2024
