davide argentieri
portfolio
Davide argentieri ARB Registered Architect, with experience in the Residential, Community, and Urban design sectors. I am a curious and motivated person, always interested to take part in new projects and activities. Through collaboration with a variety of professionals from different backgrounds, I have developed effective communication skills that allow me to be a good team player. As I believe in continuous development, in my spare time I participate in further training in different subjects and Architecture competitions: I recently completed training courses in Architectural visualisation and I have been involved in a number of urban design competitions. I am a supporter of community involvement in Architectural projects: For example, In 2012 participated in a Community Festival in North London collecting people’s opinion on the re qualification of a local park, and I have always aimed to put the users at the centre of my design. I gained work experience in the Community and Residential sectors and I look forward to new design challenges.
arch.davide.argentieri@gmail.com 07928372866
URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS
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On the Edge
index
Feasibility study for the re-use of a decommissioned Canal in Dogaletto - Venice
page 19
Lagooning
Project proposal for the Italian National Research Council headquarter in Santo Spirito Island Venice
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Aquileia - The Great Lost City Project for an archaeological park in Aquileia - North East Italy
page 35
Fluxscape
Cala Millor seafront competition entry - Mallorca, Spain
Community and commercial projects
page 41
Dragonfly
Great Fen Visitor Centre competition entry Petersborough, England
page 46
Foss Marai
Prosecco vinery facade design competition entry Valdobbiadene, Italy
page 51
Quartz
Art Pavilion competition entry Belgrade, Serbia
URBAN DESIGN PROJECTS
On the edge Feasibility study for the re-use of a decommissioned Canal in Dogaletto - Venice This design proposal was presented as part of my final project, and is the result of a detailed urban settlements and landscape analysis on the Venetian mainland area. Dogaletto is a small village located on the edge of the Venetian lagoon, the urban fabric is dispersed and erratic. The area is primarily residential, with poor social infrastructures, and few business opportunities. The agricultural landscape surrounding the town comprises large areas of intensive mechanised farming estates, which causes land subsidence and harms the equilibrium of the local habitat. The town stands at the end of a navigable canal called Idrovia, which was built in the 1980’s to provide a connection between the Venice port and the industrial hubs of the mainland. The canal was never completed and now canal banks are used by locals for leisure activities such as fishing and jogging. Due to its position on the boundary between the mainland and the lagoon, the area surrounding Dogaletto is incredibly rich in biodiversity and located close to an identified ‘Ecological Corridor’. By taking advantages of limitations and potential of the existing conditions, a new model of economic development for the area is proposed through eco-tourism. A new port for small boats will connect Dogaletto to Venice and its large tourism market. Through transforming the riverbanks into a park and introducing a mix of new housing and studios, the area will be made attractive to tourists, residents and professionals. In order to undo the problematic land subsidence and offer new spaces to maintain the biodiversity in the area, 5HA of farming estate are converted into parkland.
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Agricultural park
2. Mixed use accommodations
4. Tourist port on the Venice lagoon
5. Riverbank park 6. Existing Idrovia canal
Cross section on the riverbank park. Below, Landscape strategy diagrams.
project proposal - the agricultural park A large triangular agricultural area (54000sqm-5HA approx.) is positioned between the town and the canal and it is used as a private farming estate, the area overlooks the lagoon and has great potential for tourist activities. Intense agricultural practices led to land subsidence which causes frequent flooding in the area: a new park could potentially reverse the subsidence and provide long term flood protection. The European Commission has identified the area as an ecological corridor and a park would be beneficial for the local fauna and offer new spaces for biodiversity to thrive. The proposed park is composed of dense plantation of wild grass and plants, with a network of paths for visitors to enjoy it.
project proposal - the riverbank park The Idrovia canal riverbank is positioned three meters above the village and its currently not easily accessible, poorly maintained and erratically used. In this proposal, the river bank is developed into an urban park, which would be beneficial to Dogaletto town, the new accommodations and port. The accessibility of the riverbank is enhanced by newly established paths leading to the village and the surrounding areas, piers are created to accommodate fishing activities and facilitate mooring. Further, leisure activities are encouraged as the size of the riverbank is increased towards the village and benches, paved areas and playgrounds are provided for residents and tourists alike. This project emphasises the current use as a mooring spot with a number of new piers and rows of boathouses.
Cross section on the riverbank park.
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TOURIST PORT ON THE VENETIAN LAGOON - PLAN
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project proposal - tourist port on the venice lagoon A newly created marina will sit on top of the existing lagoon embankment. This building will act as a gateway between Venice and the lagoon. The purpose of this structure will be to attract visitors and encourage them to the exploration of the local area through horse-riding, trekking and bird watching. Amenities, such as a restaurant overlooking the Venice Lagoon, will also be offered. A part of the building is reserved for recreational activities for the community and contains a meeting room, communal gym and new function room for the local canoeing club. This building will attract visitors, offer new employment opportunities and improve the social conditions of a remote and poorly serviced village.
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new tourist marina - artist’s impressions On the left: View of the building from the newly created park. A ramp crosses the building connecting the lower level of the park to the decking overlooking the lagoon. Above: View of the building from the lagoon.
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project proposal - mixed use accomodations The urban landscape of Dogaletto consists of isolated houses surrounded by gated properties and small estates; the inhabitants live isolated in their properties. The village is mainly residential and the inhabitants have to commute long distances by car every day to reach their workplaces in other towns. During the night the village is completely silent and no leisure amenities are offered. The aim of this project is to propose a new model of residential settlement in this area consisting of four types of accommodation: countryside houses, one and two bedroom flats and ateliers with ancillary accommodation. The houses are positioned in rows and the new urban landscape is meant to be permeable. The newly created paths lead from Dogaletto, through the new village to the new marina and park allowing residents and tourists to meet and interact. The varied mix of accommodation will promote the creation of a socially diverse village, as the countryside houses will be offered to tourists and the flats will be offered to young families. The studios will attract new employment opportunities to this commuting town and can be offered to artists and professionals attracted to Venice by its many cultural institutions.
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LAGOONING Project proposal for the Italian National Research Council HQ in Santo Spirito Island - Venice Santo Spirito is a 200x150m island in the southern part of the Venice Lagoon. Since 1140, the island has been the site of a monastery and a grand church, however in 1806 the monastic buildings were demolished to make way to military fortifications. During the Second World War, the island was used as a powder magazine and since 1965 the island has been uninhibited and in a state of decay. Through the creation of a new building for the Venetian Headquarter of the National Research Council, this project aims to provide a use for this island. The complex is a 2300sqm building on 2 levels comprises laboratories, mooring facilities, an auditorium, offices and a restaurant. The building is at the centre of the island and is surrounded by a park. In order to conceal the large mass of the construction, the rear is entirely buried under artificial slopes integrated within the park, a design solution inspired by the military fortifications on the site. In this new building, scientists will be able to work in a quiet environment similar to the original monastic inhabitants.
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Francesco Guardi - Isola di Santo Spirito - Oil on canvas, 1750 approx.
top LEFT - ground floor plan A new port and mooring facilities are proposed at this level. Two radiochemistry laboratories are located below the artificial slopes and separated by concrete walls, the same solution is adopted for the auditorium on the top left side of the plan. A double height lobby on the West side of the building accommodates the cafeteria and reception, this space is lit from above by a large skylight. The offices are positioned along the South side of the building, overlooking the new port and the lagoon. LEFT - First floor plan The laboratories are located on the first floor. All the laboratories receives natural light from the large south-facing windows. The facade is shaded by Copper louvred panels.
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South elevation towards the new port.
Cross section through new port and main lobby.
Cross section through laboratories.
Cross section through park and external auditorium.
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top LEFT - DETAIL SECTION ON SOUTH FACADE Detail showing a section of the perforated copper solar shading system. To facilitate views of the lagoon, the diameter of the perforation increases towards the centre of the facade. top - DETAIL SECTION Of lobby skylight bottom - artist’s impression of external meeting room
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External sitting area An external paved area with benches overlooking the lagoon is to be provided on the northern side of the island. A number of steps descend towards the water, offering a quiet space for contemplation.
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top - landscape strategy diagrams The colour schemes of the landscaped roof and park are adapted for each season. The flat roof of the building, where wild grass grows, is accessible from the surrounding park via a ramp. Four species of trees have been selected to be planted throughout the park, and their position is determined by the seasonal colour schemes. A mild palette of colours will create a relaxing natural space for those working on the island. left - artist’s impression of the new piers
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aquileia - the great lost city Project for an archaeological park in Aquileia - North East Italy Aquileia is a city in north east Italy, founded by the Romans in 180BC. The city was founded as a northern outpost of the empire and its fluvial port was one of the of the busiest trading hubs of the period. Aquileia, also known as Secunda Roma, was a large and thriving city with grand imperial buildings and architectural features such as city walls, patrician villas, a forum, an arena and barracks: Julius Caesars used the city as a base for the invasion of Gaul. An ancient basilica still stands in the town centre and houses the world’s largest mosaic floor. The city started to decay when the Roman empire fell. Today, Aquileia is a small provincial town where the archaeological remains attract a large number of tourists each year. The modern city grew on top of the ancient one, and as a result archaeological sites are not easily accessible. It is almost impossible to understand the urban pattern of the lost city. Most of the remains are buried beneath private estates or have not yet been excavated. Through the construction of an archaeological park, this project aims to re-organise the entire city and its heritage by improving accessibility to the remains and connecting the sites in a network of pedestrian paths. Visitor accommodation facilities are proposed near the Arena and Port Archaeological sites. The park will offer new opportunities for cultural tourism by allowing easier and safer visits to the ancient sites.
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current state - Archaeological survey
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1. City Walls: Only a small portion of the walls is currently visible; the large part of the remains is buried underground.
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2. Forum: The forum is divided in to two parts by a heavily trafficked road. 3. Fluvial port: The port is isolated on the margins of the modern town.
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4. Circus: The remains of the circus are buried beneath a private farming estate.
5. Arena: The arena and the surrounding patrician villas are part of enclosed private estates.
6. Cathedral: While the cathedral is situated at the centre of the modern city, it is disconnected from the archaeological sites.
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Archaeological park Project proposal
1. Proposal for a garden connecting the fragments of the wall. This park is the backbone of the large archaeological park, from here it will be possible to access all sites that are enclosed within the modern city.
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2. Forum: The space of the forum is recreated by diverting the road that currently passes through it to the outskirts of the city.
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3. Fluvial port: The accessibility of the site is improved by a new pedestrian connection from the park along the ancient walls. 4. Circus: A clearer understanding of the actual dimensions of the ancient circus is facilitated by the plantation of rows of trees Following the outline of the original structure.
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5. Arena: The area surrounding the arena is reorganised to include adjoining sites of patrician villas. This site is accessible from the newly created park along the walls. 6. Cathedral: The site of the cathedral will be integrated to the newly created archaeological park with new pedestrian footpaths.
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1-1 Eastern walls and patrician villas sites.
2-2 Northern walls and Circus sites.
3-3 Forum.
5-5 Northern walls.
6-6 Forum and Northern walls Intersection.
7-7 Northern walls and Fluvial port intersection.
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4-4 Northern walls, fortifications.
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On average, visitors in Aquileia spend less than a day in the city. Extended tourism would be beneficial to local businesses , unfortunately the city does not offer attractive options for overnight stays. A new type of visitor accommodation would increase the number of visitors and extend their stay. arena site: visitor accommodations Six dwelling units are proposed as a part of the archaeological park between the Arena and the Patrician Villas in an area without any archaeological remains. The units are integrated in the park and the network of paths and directly overlook the archaeological excavations.
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fluvial port: visitor accommodation Larger accommodations are proposed for the area surrounding the port. The units provide a privileged view of the Fluvial Port. These residences will be provided with private gardens and pools and will target the wealthier tourism market. The units will be placed in areas free of any archaeological remains.
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FLUXSCAPE Cala Millor seafront competition entry - Mallorca, Spain Cala Millor is a resort town on Mallorca, one of the Balearic islands in Spain. The city was established in the 1930’s when the Mediterranean bush landscape was replaced with high rise hotel developments and a newly created seafront. The current promenade is a paved strip between the hotels and the beach. The seashore is flanked by a long wall and is only accessible via stairs from the city. The aim of this project is to recreate the lost landscape and provide the town with a modern seafront by replicating the pattern of hard and soft landscapes typical of the Mediterranean bush. The modern seafront consists of a pattern of dense plantations, artificial dunes and paved areas. Access to the beach is provided by ramps and the transition between the new seafront and the seashore is mediated by a buffer zone where trees are planted. A new town square is also placed at the centre of the seafront to host large public events.
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Top: Proposed Seafront with newly created square at the centre. Bottom Left: Diagrams of space patterns typical of the Mediterranean Bush Landscape Below: Details of proposed access to Beach level: Tree buffer zones and ramps.
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page 41
Dragonfly
Great Fen Visitor Centre competition entry Petersborough, England
page 46
Foss Marai
Prosecco vinery facade design competition entry Valdobbiadene, Italy
page 51
Quartz
Art Pavilion competition entry Belgrade, Serbia
COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
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B660 ROAD
EXISTING DECOY FARM
NEW vISITOR CENTRE
dragonfly Great Fen Visitor Centre competition entry - Petersborough, England Great Fen is a project supported by the Government, which aims to reconstruct the lost East Anglian wetland landscape. In the next 50 years more than 3000HA of largely arable land will be transformed into woodland, wetlands and ponds. The future entry point of this new landscape will be located next to the existing ‘Decoy farm’ building, where a new visitor centre will be built. The concept for the Visitor Centre proposal has been derived from an understanding of the site - as it is today, what it was like in the past and how it will develop in the future. The proposed building will be located at a crossroads between the main thoroughfare B660 and the pathway leading to ‘Decoy Farm’ which follows the route of a former railway. This former railway used to cross the site on its diagonal axis: in order to get the best views on the site, the proposed visitor centre will be aligned with this historical axis. The massing of the building is derived from an analysis of the barn structures commonly employed in Cambridgeshire and the Decoy Farm barn immediately adjacent: the archetype of the traditional barn is manipulated and transformed to emphasise the relationship with the wetlands landscape to come. The result is a building with three wings, which acts as a telescope towards the landscape. The three wings of the building encompass the most important functions of the Visitor Centre: cafeteria, shop and education areas. The relative functions are distributed in response to the path of the sun, the shape of the roof encourages natural ventilation and daylight into the centre of the building. Large areas of glazing respond to the vistas and the sun orientation. The form of the building embraces the entrance and welcomes visitors to enjoy the centre’s amenities. From the focal point of entrance, the views through the centre will span across the Great Fen project.
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Top left: 1863 site situation: A railway line divided the site diagonally. Top right: Current situation and location of Decoy Farm. Top centre: The Decoy Farm and design diagram illustrating the manipulation of the barn archetype towards the Visitor Centre’s massing proposal. Below: Possible plans and arrangements for different uses of the building, for example, as a farmer’s market or to house large meetings.
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On the right: Artist’s impression of the Cafeteria space.
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ABOVE: Artist’s impression of the Access and Exhibition space.
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Foss marai Prosecco vinery facade design competition entry - Valdobbiadene, Italy The Foss Marai Prosecco winery is located in the Valdobbiadene hills, near Venice. The competition brief required a new facade to the winery, which comprises a delivery warehouse and tall wine tanks. This project aims to reconnect the building with the surrounding landscape. The facade design suggest the idea of a powerful movement from the parking space to the vineyard located on the East side of the building. The new facade design embraces the parking space and the building: the structure is made of a metal mesh on a steel frame covered by American Ivy grape. The delivery bays are covered by corten steel panels and the wine storage tanks are wrapped in a new envelope made of inflatable EFTE cushions. The planted American Ivy covering allows the facade to adapt to the changing seasons, in particular during wine harvest season when the foliage becomes an intense scarlet red. During night-time, the EFTE cushions facade covering the tank building, become a large lantern highlighting the winery’s logo.
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Top: Daytime facade elevation. 1. Metal mesh on steel framing with American Ivy grape covering. 2. Delivery bays: Mobile Corten steel perforated screens. 3. Wine tanks: EFTE cushions facade. CENTRE: Diagram explaining the new facade assemblage. Bottom: Nighttime facade elevation.
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quartz Art Pavilion competition entry - Belgrade, Serbia The competition brief stipulated the preliminary design of a multi-purpose pavilion for a park in Belgrade. The idea behind my proposal was the creation of a sculptural black object resembling a quartz stone, with a white washed internal exhibition space lit from above. The building dimensions are 12x4x4 meters. It is supported by a steel framework and is covered by black insulated panels. The roof consists of a double layer of polycarbonate sheeting which provides a soft white light for the internal space. The pavilion can be used for meetings and exhibitions: two separate accesses allow different uses of the space and 50 folding chairs are stored in a recess of the facade.
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Left and Right: Different external views of the pavilion in relation to Belgrade Landmarks.
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