Giovanni Caci _ architecture portfolio

CACI GIOVANNI Doctor in: ARCHITECTURE (L-17) Student in: Master’s Degree in ARCHITECTURE FOR RESTORATION AND VALORIZATION (LM-4)

I think I’m a sunny person, predisposed to listen and to confront other people’s opinions and points of view.

The will to increase my knowledge and learn methodologies and techniques for analyze the environments in which the human being lives and behaviors that resulted were the pivotal points that guided me in choosing to attend the Architecture course.

I have always tried to adopt a critical approach when taking on projects, studying the history, art and the architecture of the various places; I believe that the natural and anthropic environment is fundamental to study and design interventions of any nature, wether they are design or research.

We have only one planet on which we can live and we must learn to live respecting the environment around us, live and design by listening to the inputs that come to us from outside.

Sustainability is not just technology, it is a way of life and design as an architect I believe I have a duty to design in such a way that we can carry out interventions that increase collective wellbeing and that are not an unnecessary consumption of resources of whatever nature they are.

Project 01 Sedes Plastica Milan, Italy Atelier Costruire nel Costruito, Teachers: Nicola Paolo Russi of Laboratorio Permanente, Rossella Maspoli Politecnico of Turin (2017)

The presence and design of the garden should be sought with the intention to keep people in contact not only with nature but also with time, with the changing seasons that affect the green, this is a reminder “to continue to remind people not to forget the time” (Casamonti 2009: )

The atelier “Costruire nel costruito” has planned the design of a building for residential use with adjoining commercial or office functions. The project was developed on an area forming part of a triangular lot located between via Corrado II il Salico and via dei Fontanelli in Milan. There were two fundamental limits: first, the maximum height was provided on the basis of the maximum height of the buildings inside the lot, as a second factor there was the obligation to maintain the flush façade for at least fifty percent of the total building volume.

Image: axonometric collage, building and context with brook front and public park

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In the study of the overall volume of the building, it was mainly reasoned on the solids and voids to be understood, respectively as: built element consisting of a recognizable compact mass and element generated by the absence of volume or the presence of a transparent volume to the point of almost losing its physical perception. It is possible to read these voids as “residual voids placed inside the figure that allow to characterize it�.

Image: collage perspective service spaces become hanging gardens

Man is a social animal and as such needs a certain amount of spaces for relationship where to interact with his fellow human beings, adaptable spaces of high architectural and natural quality.

Image: perspective collage service spaces become community gardens

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Project 02 SA FURRAJA about giving Perdasdefogu (NU), Italy AGBC Group, with Alberto Bianciotto (2020)

The occasion that sparked the interest in this design process was a competition launched to investigate the power of education and culture in small and rural communities. The premise asserted that the contemporary world is demanding evergrowing amounts of data that are vital to the people’s understanding of its nature and dynamics: this knowledge (that is, ultimately, Culture) is a conditio sine qua non to meaningfully be part of a society. Learning bolsters awareness, exposure and productivity, which in turn results into development; it is necessary to have places promoting education and self-learning to educate the local population.

Finding a project site inside a context direly needing access to learning, education and culture was the first step of the process. Then, the project had to take on the design of a tiny library that would serve as an “educational incubator� and a centralized think tank for the local community. The design had to address affordability and sustainability, taking the maximum number of storable books into consideration as well as quality of space, multifunction, user engagement and communal spirit, condensing all of these in a structure of c.ca 200 m2.

Image: project cover

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Sa furraja literally means “the furnace” in Ogliastran dialect, and – as project’s title – is testament of the design intention to achieve a space that could be the spark in the regenerative path of the community (as well as being a place where culture, notions, data are processed and become starting material for new connections and unforeseen yet positive results – like raw materials in furnaces become heat and energy).

Approaching the design process the main goal was to try and combine the characteristics of a regular library with spatial properties that would enhance the quality of the scarce public space of the town – that is, places for the associated life.

Quoting the subheading of the project’s title, the idea was to pursue a change in the mostly insensitive and self-absorbed dynamics of the (recent) local architectural production: this inspiration came from the faith in the fact that architecture does not have to be a selfish do ut des, but it can be “about giving” without necessarily expecting or demanding something in return.

Immage: main entrance

The library itself is located inside the raised volume and consists of a single open space which works both as a reading room and books storage. This is possible because the entire perimetral lengthwise walls are shaped like continuous shelving units, whose module allows them to host even reading/studying posts and storable seats; the northern side of the open space is home to some kind of “lounge area”.

Along the lengthwise walls are also situated the e-media workstation that provide access to the internet and media fruition.

Illumination’s appropriate quality is ensured by the glass walls at both ends and by the glassed well that cuts through the f loors: both glass walls are protected from excessive sunlight by two sun shade structures oriented in different ways to maximise the benefits.

Access to the library is provided by a stairway and an elevator (enveloped in a structure of panels that recall the link with fire), both detached from the main volume and, in some way, simply juxtaposed to the building.

Image: axonometric exploded

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The core designing concept is exemplified by the lifting of the built volume: this gesture allows for the creation of a covered space of equal area. This space is the main feature of the project; we decided to call it an “urban room”, since it appears like a defined spot where the local population can engage with different activities: it can be a sort of covered square during the day, and an open cinema in the evening (referring to the topic of media culture/consumption); alternatively it can be set up as an exhibition area for temporary events and festivals, or even host community gatherings on official occasions promoting local interactions.

These chameleonic dynamics are also granted by a series of tracks that run on the room’s ceiling, allowing for different configurations of movable partitions.

Image: collage urban room set up during an exhibition

The choice to move the distribution bodies to the side, was dictated by the will not to impose any filter of any kind between the community (the town) and the “urban room”, that had to be perceived as an expansion, a growth, a strengthening of the public space of the village – after all, its function is being some sort of “associated life device” for the community.

Image: collage urban room set up during a film screening

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          

 

              

      

Proiect 03

                  

 

EOModS   Emergency Operations Modular Structure  Sud Sudan, Africa

 

           

LEGEND  AGBC Group, with Alberto Bianciotto   (2020)

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The consequences of the conf licts in the Souh Sudan region, even after the latest events, are terrible: millions of people had to leave their homes and still live as re fugees or asylum seekers, and hundreds of thousands have died. But sadly this is  not the only critical situation in Africa, thus the need for an architecture capable of adapting to different contexts is stronger than ever.   A chameleonic structure made of independent modules can be the answer to this  ever-changing challenge, so that a building designed having the humanitarian crisis   in South Sudan in mind could be re-adapted wherever it is needed. A modular approach is also convenient in terms of how easily and quickly the building can be erected, sparing the amount of time and skills required for construction. 

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

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Image: project axonometry

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



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

                                                   

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LEGEND 

 

               

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         

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     

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 

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   





    





       





      

















                                          





 





















The single module is 2 metres wide and 4 metres long, so that the proportions allow for an optimal juxtaposition of differently orientated units.

Four pillars constitute the elevation structure of the module. They are divided in two components: a steel piece [A] that is partially buried and a wood pole [B], connected and bolted to the steel base through a metal attachment.

These four pillars are connected by 4 wooden beams [C] that are mounted to the steel base through a metal anchoring [D]; these beams sustain the load of thef loor made of wood planks [E]. The rigidity is ensured by two tie-rods [F] bolted to the steel base.

A load-distributing plate [G] is bolted to the steel pillar as well: its function is to better stabilise the ground connection, and it can be mounted at different heights so as to better suit irregular terrains. This is especially useful when assembling larger structures. The modules are connected to each other using plates and bolts: these pieces are used to join thef loor beams and the wooden poles of adjacent modules - for both parallel and orthogonal orientation. 





 





 





















            









Image: exploded single module axonometric exploded and project details











            















PAST

PRESENT

FUTURE

The spaces designed to accomodate the functions of the EOC are divided in two separate wings: the bigger one hosts the healthcare areas that provide medical and psychological assistance to the population, while the smaller one is home to the management and logistics/storage areas. The two parts are connected through a gangplank that defi nes the exterior space, dividing it into two areas: a “courtyard” that hosts the entries, and a smaller patch that can be used as external storage.

It is clear that this is just a spatial hypothesis, formulated having a specifi c goal in mind. Since the entire structure is made of independent modules, these ones can be used to achieve extremely diverse planimetric solutions that can adapt to equally diverse scenarios.

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5 - future option A

Stage 6 - future option B

                 

         

                  

       

Stage 7 - future option B1

   

Stage 8 - future option B2                     

Image: project plan 0

2

4m

9

PAST Stage 1 Building materials and equipment are shipped via containers and arrive where a critical situation requires intervention. A variety of different vehicles (such as helicopters) can fulfill this task.

Stage 2 The manual lists the components that make up the building and shows how they need to be assembled. One container can include the backbone structure’s elements of up to 35 modules Stage 3 Assembly is carried on through dry construction techniques. It is fast and easy: no highly specific skills nor peculiar gear are required. The entire building can be erected in a matter of days.

PRESENT Stage 4 During the period of crisis the building performs its task and acts as an EOC providing operational support for both population and staff.

Image: main entrance

FUTURE Stage 5 - future option A Once the emergency is over the EOC remains in place and acts as a regenerative hub for the local population: a common space to bolster the community. The structure can be easily expanded.

Stage 6 - future option B No longer needed, the EOC is dismantled: dry construction techinques allow for a quick and easy disassembly. Building materials and components can therefore be repurposed.

Stage 7 - future option B1 3 modules can be used to build 24m2 (expandable) housing units, providing shelter to the population in the aftermath of the emergency. EOC’s components supply up to 20 housing units.

Image: project detail

10

Project 04 The royal winery Royal Castle of Aglié Aglié, Italy Atelier architectural restoration project, Teachers: I. Ballarini, M. Naretto, P. Palmero Politecnico of Turin (2019)

Restoration and enhancement work carried out on a property subject to landscape-architectural constraint and included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Intervention that foresees the change of the present function, replacing it with a wine cellar at the service of both the public and visitors to the Castle of Agliè. The neglect, the abandonment of the building, the poor and not constant maintenance determine a strong state of degradation caused mainly by water infiltration, rising damp from the ground, exposure to the action of atmospheric agents and pollutants.

Image: illustrative collage, design suggestions of the lighting and setting up of the rooms.

11

wine

tasting

Image: mezzanine plan

0

2

6

deposit

staff

toilet staff

kitchen

toilet client counter / checkout

tasting

exhibition carriages

Once the research, assessment and survey phase of the building was completed, the necessary information was acquired for the proposal of the restoration project.

The intervention is based on the conservation and enhancement of the memory of the building by giving it an added value through a re-functionalisation project, i.e. it is not an intervention of conservative restoration for its own sake but it is intended to give new life to the building as an integral part of the museum complex.

Image: ground plan, in the centre of the main room, on the right, the saddlery leading to the old sewerage duct.

exhibition carriages

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Respecting the needs and the nature of the place, the proposal was to make it a junction of connection between architecture and landscape; an opportunity to promote and enhance not only an architectural asset but also the enogastronomic riches of the territory in which it stands. The design hypothesis therefore sees the location of a wine shop (tasting, exhibition, sale and sensory path) that, in correlation with other spaces of the Castle, can be used for events promoting the Canavese territory. The intervention is based on the principles of compatibility, reversibility and distinctiveness.

Image: illustrative collage, design suggestions of the lighting and setting up of the rooms.

The lighting design differs for different requirements in the various rooms of the building. The area of the warehouse that housts the winery and therefore functions of preparation, administration and consumption needs to be illuminated in a diffuse manner, with high uniformity of light.

In the area of the saddlery, the layout foresees a type of accent lighting for the carriages and the enhancement of the vaulted environment.

In the environment of the old sewerage duct, instead, a sensory path is designed within the existing bays, with accentuated lighting on the half shells, projections of historical images, evocations through sounds, scents and images of the history of the building.

Image: illustrative collage, design suggestions of the lighting and the setting up of the rooms.

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nometric

Project 05 Hygiene First, Build Health Ilula, Tanzania

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Student Team, Polytechnic of Turin (2017-2018)

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The goal of the Hygiene First Team was the design of 64 new latrines to be placed in the Mtua-Ikuvala Primary school, in Ilula aiming to create structures that were durable lasting over time, manageable independently, with low maintenance costs, The project was developed according to a sustainable approach, using building materials available on site. Furthermore, gender issues have been taken into account when defining the architectural form, with spaces that guarantee correct privacy.

The team took care of all the phases of the project: from the analysis of the context to the processing of the technical drawings; from the study of the materials to the technical solutions.

The state of affairs shows different ways of operating, starting from the calculated needs. The needs are calculated by studying international standard about basic water needs.

Considering the critical and the environmental and economic costs we have chosen the scenario one: designing 44 toilets and satisfying the requimerent by using actual sources and collecting rainwater. The project consist in 44 toilets diveded into 4 blocks, 2 for male and 2 for female: so the project could be constructed step by step. The male block consist of 10 toilets and an urinal, while the female block consist of 10 toilets and a girls’ room where girls have more space and privacy during their period.

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10 10

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Image: exploded axonometric of a single module 1 cm 1

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1. Foundations and pillars 2. Masonry pit 3. Foundations and pillars of the building 4. Dirt and concrete slab 5. Stabilized raw-earth brick masonry

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The Solar Toilet is a dry or waterless sanitation system, this means no water is required for its operations. Through the elements that compose it, the solid waste falls into the underground receiver through the opening of the sanitary and then they move slowly along the inclined drying plate. At the same time, the air is sucked through the opening and therefore it does not let bad smells enter the toilet. Radiant heat is carried into the container through the plastic manhole area. The internal air f low increases drying and dehydration and reducing the volume of solids up to 90%. At this point, dried waste ready to be removal. The advantages brought by the technology are multiple such as no water consumption, except for cleaning the superstructure; reduces the volume of faecal substances considerably (up to 5%); significant reduction of pathogens; no need of external infrastructure, safe and accessible everywhere, but particularly in areas with scarcity of water; does not pollute groundwater, soil or surface waters; no lies and smells; stimulated bacterial and biological activity make it an inoffensive dry stabilized material; long duration; low operating costs; ability to create skilled labor.

Image: render, back view, in the foreground the technology adopted to reduce organic waste

The building is an example of sustainable technology, so the choice of construction material is that of pressed and stabilized raw earth brick. The material is readily available on site and has good qualities in terms of durability, mechanical strength, seismic safety and environmental sustainability. The material has good aesthetic qualities since this has not been covered by any finish. The same brick has been used as an external buffer of the corridor, creating a play of full and empty spaces.

The solution was chosen to guarantee the privacy of the users and to avoid possible theft from stranger; the same time this solution ensures a good ventilation and greater lighting.

The water project is a way to solve a situation of water scarcity and bad management by using international standards and giving priority to the basic human needs in accordance to the quality of the water. It’s included the management of the actual sources and the collection of the rainwater.

Image: render, front view

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Some pages of the self-construction manual we have realized

5.3 Self-construction manual: Tap with doser

Basket wire mechanism

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POLYWOOD

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3

x3 STRING 40

x1

HOOK WITH ASOLE

x1

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SIGNPOSTING

4,5

7

10

x2

x1

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4

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WORKING

PLACEMENT

Pulling the wire lid opens.

Create the mechanism by testing directly. use the proportions similar to the example shown here.

The doser is important to create an indicator on the bottle to save water, HOLE WITH DRILL

for a hand wash.

HOLE WITH DRILL

BARILE VERNICE BARREL PAINT

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x2 2

3,5

30

20

0,5 L

x8 SCREWS FOR WOOD

HOLE ANCHOR

x2

Before assembly, it is necessary to provide rope to create the mechanisa, drill to make holes for the blocks and the scissors to cut the rope at the right point.

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Apply a hole both on the tube and on the bottle as shown in the explanatory section on the side.

LIST OF MATERIAL

2,5

ASSEMBLY

WORKING

PLACEMENT

ASSEMBLY

MAKE A KNOT

CUT THE BOTTLE

LIST OF MATERIAL 2

3

STEEL PIPES 1�

Before assembly, it is necessary to provide a drill to make holes in the wall. Then with the scissors create two symmetrical holes on the plastic bottle of the tube diameter.

Finally make a hole at the bottom of the bottle of 0.5 mm.

x15 COLLAR FOR TUBE FIXATION

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x3 8 3,5

x7

x7 FEMALE TAP

SIGNPOSTING

CUT THE STRING

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x7 17 7

x7

x7 STEEL PIPES

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20 7

x7

x1 T-CONNECTION

x10 L-CONNECTION

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Tap with doser

Basket wire mechanism

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60

Lock foot

Shared paper container Shared paper container LIST OF MATERIAL

ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

Hand washing didactic support WORKING

PLACEMENT

1,5

20 5

POLYWOOD

x30 SCREWS FOR WOOD

x30 STEEL WASHERS

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41 7

The movement is guaranteed by a circular pin passing through the mobile wood block.

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30

40

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80

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x2

x1

x2

x1

x2

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SIGNPOSTING WORKING

PLACEMENT

SHARE THE HYGIENIC PAPER

B

The deeper opening (A) allows you to store several sheets of paper, the lower part (B) can be used to share notebooks or magazines.

The system allows to limit the contact of contaminated surfaces.

LIST OF MATERIAL

SIGNPOSTING

1,7

POLYWOOD

13,5 4

A

3,5

x6 SCREW FOR WOOD

2

4,5

7

4,5

2,5

x1

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2,5

1,8

3

1,9

Equipped with two openings, the collector facilitates the collection of paper and sharing.

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x1

x1

x1

x1 STEEL WASHERS

x1

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Project 06 Relaunching the mountain Workshop “A mountain of looks” Venaus, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy Workshop, Teachers: Michael Obrist of FELD72 (2017)

The concept was to outline a programme for the use of a site that would affect the entire area. In order to define the lines of action we started from the requests made to us by customers and events already present in the area. The Borgata VIII Dicembre could become a liveable place both for residents and tourists. In the open spaces and premises can be carried out activities that show off the strengths of the community.

To date, the shed located within the Borgata VIII Dicembre and our object of study and project, is not in an optimal state for this reason it was decided to preserve the load-bearing structure in steel beams and pillars and to cover it with self-supporting walls X-lam, through which an adequate thermo-acoustic comfort is guaranteed.

The project provides for the extension of the shed through the insertion of a greenhouse that functions as a winter garden.

We tried to give ans answer to the initial question: “What does Venaus want to be?” through our project. The design idea was to enhance the empty space (more than eight meters high) inside the shed. You can see the typical section of the industrial shed that can be traced back to a section obtained by Extrusion. We have chosen not to insert any wall or internal division, we have kept a pre-existing block used for toilets and reception. This choice is to be read by virtue of the desire not to allocate the building to a single function but rather to allow users to decide from time to time how best to set up space.

Image: render in which is visible the completely empty space of the shed

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At the back of the complex there is a dedicated area for loading and unloading goods and parking cars. The project provides the change of function of this space: the previous functions are moved to places specifically designed to meet the needs of the community. In the former car park’s area, it was decided to take advantage of the site’s proximity to several canals that can guarantee the availability of running water in all seasons. In addition, part of the area will be excavated with a maximum depth of 50 cm; at the same time a sauna and a staircase will be positioned. In the pictures you can see how the space can be used during the four seasons.

Summer swimming: The second of the two possible functions foreseen: during the summerpeople can use the excavated area as if it were a swimming pool, taking advantage of the water resources of the area.

Winter skating: In the winter season, always taking advantage of the waters of the area, the rigid temperatures and technological implementations can be exploited for turning the area into a skating rink.

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Project 07 Barracks Riberi, A place to work and study.

Turin, Italy Atelier Renovation of the consolidated city, Teachers: Paolo Mellano, Daniela Bosia Politecnico of Turin (2018)

The complex consists of buildings built at the beginning of the 20th century, bound by the Superintendence of Turin, since they have a high cultural value.

The intervention foresees the change of function from military barracks to university residence.

The project consists of a rethinking of the distribution of the internal spaces of these buildings, in particular the previous distribution was made through a central corridor, dark and unhealthy; during the project phase an intervention was thought to consist of an external balcony, anchored to the ground and not to the building in order to respect the historical pre-existence and not affect it.

The intervention does not affect the recognizability of the historical building and is characterized as an entity in continuous dialogue with the pre-existence.

Image: render, courtyard in front of the student residences

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The design of the building intended to house the INPS offices has been approached paying attention to the needs of users and employees: the distribution system includes the staircases and elevators placed in the middle of the sleeve together with the toilets and closets; the offices and leisure areas are located on the fronts around this distribution body.

The building’s facades have been treated differently according to their orientation: they are vertical red steel shutters with perforated steel slabs on a design taken from the facade of the church of Santa Rita.

Image: render, INPS offices entrance from Piazza Santa Rita, Turin

The construction system adopted is characterized by a load-bearing structure in reinforced concrete characterized by slabs with u-boot type lightening formworks that allow to have a bidirectional floor which has many advantages over a traditional attic. The vertical walls are made of honeycomb concrete blocks with an external ventilated wall. The roofs have become green roofs to reduce heat islands.

Image: render, INPS offices entrance from Piazza Santa Rita, Turin

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