TSA ROME_ Sicily Lab 2010

CREDITS NITRO Sicily Lab + TSA Rome Program September 10-20, 2010 Gioiosa Marea, Sicily, Italy PROFESSORS ::

Antonino Saggio [nITro La Sapienza Roma]

Marcella Del Signore [Tulane University New Orleans]

Tiffany Lin [Tulane University New Orleans]

Antonino Di Raimo [nITro La Sapienza Roma] STUDENTS :: Mira Asher, Kristy Bardwell, Alexandra Bojarski-Stauffer, Sophie Dardant, Rachel Finkelstein, Nick Gervasi, Andrew Graham, Ellen Hailey, Natalia Hidalgo, Allison Kass, Lindsay Keifer, Jason Levy, Marda Lugar, Drew Mazur, Fernando Polo, Laura Robin, Zachary Sarados, Sarah Simonson, Alexandra Shabouk, Corey Squire, Christopher Tellone, Ana Lucia Teran, Clare Tritschier, Karrah Vila, Jen Wickam GRAPHICS ::

Zach Bishop, with Professor Marcella Del Signore SPECIAL THANKS TO :: TSA

Dean Kenneth Swartz

Comune of Gioiosa Marea 2

sicily lab|TSA Rome CONTENTS

CONTENTS 2 4

Credits Schedule

8 10 14 18 20 22 23 24 25

I :: ORGANIC NETWORK

Stitching Situation

Getting Out

Responsive Recycling

Connection Point

The Descent Entwine

Live Transit Play

26 28 32 36 42

2 :: Tac Attack

Brain Station

Dead End

Top of the World

Terraced Compensation

46 48 52 54 58

3 :: Transitional Arrival

Through the Grapevine Collision

Catch and Release Acknowledgements 3

::PUBLIC SPACES in the MEDITERRANEAN context: SPACE, TIME and Information TECHNOLOGY::::::::::::: :

:::::: PLUG-IN FOR MICRO and MACRO URBAN INTERVENTIONS:::::: Workshop : Tulane University, School of Architecture - Rome Program + Sicily Lab at Gioiosa Marea 10-20 September 2010 Antonino S aggio [ nITro La S apienza Roma] Marcella D el S ignore and T iffany L in [ Tulane University New Orleans] Antonino Di Raimo [nITro Group]

keyWORDS / research topics: : intervention : public space : information technology : network : play : temporality : temporary space and use : plug-in

If Information is the primary matter of architecture, time is perceived as a fragmented dimension and space is becoming information, how can we embed those new parameters within the design process? How technology and time can be engaged in spatial and architectural decisions? Technology can augment reality and access new dimension that are not necessarily physical. Technology intelligence and the notion of temporality become a strong research component for design.

This theoretical approach will be the framework to evaluate and study the Mediterranean urban context of Gioiosa Marea located in the north-east area of Sicily. As other Mediterranean cities, Gioiosa is a place with strong contrasts between the extremely interesting Mediterranean landscape, history and archeology and the actual condition of the urban and architectural context.

The workshop is a collaboration between the research developed by Nitro Group and Tulane School of ArchitectureRome Program that will investigate in Fall 10 public spaces and social practices in the context of the city of Rome. The main goal is to develop investigations, discussions and design prototypes for temporary urban interventions that engage the notion of space, time and information technology as a main research field. Today, the notion of temporality plays an increasingly important role in the revitalization of the left-over urban spaces . Technology and time become the main focus to frame the design approach, developing plug-in objects to intervene in the Mediterranean city of Gioiosa. In the current debate over the use of public space in cities, temporary uses are seen as tool of empowerment: revealing the possibilities of space 4

sicily lab|TSA Rome SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE The workshop is organized in eight days of workshop , field trips to local sites, a series of lectures to introduce the research final presentation of the projects.

FRIDAY, September 10 2pm Arrival at Gioiosa Marea 5:30pm Meeting (logistics) + Welcome Party SATURDAY, September 11 10-12am Intro (Saggio, Del Signore) presentation of workshop activities Gioiosa Marea: areas of intervention

*activities: collection of graphic /photographic / video data

4:30pm Antonino Saggio_Lecture: The role of IT in the contemporary architectural research 5:30pm Discussion SUNDAY, September 12 9:30m Antonino Saggio_Lecture: Gioiosa Marea: Urban Analysis and Site(s) 11- 5pm Field Work

*activities: recording / site analysis

5pm Site Discussion / site exploration 6:30pm Marcella Del Signore_Lecture: The notion of Time in Public Spaces: Strategies for temporal Urban Interventions 5

MONDAY, September 13 Field trip Fiumara d’ Arte e Atelier sul Mare di Antonio Presti Castel di Tusa: Art, Landscape and local materials 7am Train to Fiumara 8am Visit of Fiumara D'Arte Antonio Presti Atelier D'arte “Redesign the Limits” 12pmVisit Atelier sul Mare – Antonio Presti 2pm Cefalu’ 7pm Train back to Gioiosa Marea TUESDAY, September 14 9am Tiffany Lin_Lecture Macro and Micro Strategies for Public Intervention 10:30am-5:00pm: desk crit.

*activities: design concept and development

5pm Antonino Di Raimo_Lecture Soft/Micro Design WEDNESDAY, September 15 9:00am Discussion 10am - 5:00pm desk critics 5pm Pin-up: concept and project presentation_ phase 1

*activities: phase 2 : from concept and schematic to design development 6

sicily lab|TSA Rome SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, September 16 9:30m A. Saggio / M. Del Signore / A. Di Raimo_Lecture Projects Prototypes 11am-5:30pm desk crit

*activities: design development

FRIDAY, September 17 9am group meeting 10am-5:30 pm desk crit

*activities: design development

/presentation

SATURDAY, September 18 3pm Project presentation with final Jury 8pm Final Party SUNDAY, September 19 9am train to Palermo Rome (Monday Sept.20 / 4.30pm) READINGS:

The IT Revolution in Architecture, Carocci, Roma 2009 English version can be purchased in LULU

http://www.lulu.com/content/libro -a-copertina-morbida/the-it-revolution-in-architecture-thoughts-on-a-paradigm -shift/5120274

Other o n-line R eadings: T heme o f light a rchitecture >> o n the r ole of Interactivity >> o n general impact o f Information Technology o f today architecture >> and the book series IT revolution in Architecture >>

TSA ROME_Sicily Lab 2009 http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/tsa-rome_sicily-lab-2009/11385944

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8

ORGANIC

N E T W O R K

9

STITCHING SITUATION

stitching situation NARRATIVE Rachel Finkelstein There is one part of the beach where the abrupt crash of the water and the land is magnified and it is evident that there is a need for activation. The ‘stitching situation� proposal introduces a boardwalk to stitch together the land and the water.

The project introduces a system of carving intimate niches into the rock, creating space for locals and tourists to become wrapped in the experience. In creating artificial, floating rocks that continue this system into the sea, the proposal invents a new situation which harmoniously connects the land and the water. Boats can be rented on the dock which also houses a support and information zone.

Economic Benefits: The niches and the small boats will generate revenue and the rental of binoculars, blankets, flashlights and life preservers will further enhance the experience. The boardwalk and the floating rocks will further activate this unique situation. The glowing niches use the same technology as the floating rocks.

At night, the visual interaction between the glowing niches and the floating light show will further magnify the experience. The weight of a person allows the light fixture to engage the stored energy and the rock pockets glow in the night sky, activating the side of the rock.

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SITUAZIONE RICUCITA

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

11

STITCHING SITUATION

stitching situation PROPOSAL Rachel Finkelstein

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SITUAZIONE RICUCITA

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

13

GETTING OUT

getting out NARRATIVE Kristy Bardwell The abandoned lot near the Belvedere Hotel along the beach is in a state of crisis.

It currently has a steep slope, overgrown vegetation, trash and no shade. It is not inhabitable and needs to be activated.

The lot is approximately 3,800 square meters (almost 1 acre), houses an existing building and storm drainage infrastructure along the north side.

The goal of this project is to reconnect the local community and visiting tourists with the space, while allowing them to experience and enjoy being outdoors.

This will be achieved through the construction of a series of elevated platforms along the slope which serve as camping spaces during the peak season and as outdoor lounges off-season.

Formalized landscaping will shade the space during the heat of the day and provide privacy for patrons.

Both peak and off-season functions will be served by a small cafĂŠ and bathrooms in the existing building.

While bringing new life to the space, this project will also serve to re-engage the path to the beach.

14

USCIRE FUORI

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

Construction of an anti-noise trellis with flowering plants over the railroad

Renovation of existing building to include rest rooms, small cafĂŠ, office and grounds keeper housing

Removal of weeds and debris from the NE corner and addition of photo voltaic panels

Construction of tiered platforms with nodes for camping or lounge space Landscaping with removal of existing, unhealthy trees and addition of stone pine trees Manicure and retain ivy-covered walls on the South and East

15

GETTING OUT

getting out PROPOSAL Kristy Bardwell The project will feature many amenities that provide economic opportunities for the area. During the summer months, the 10 platforms will comfortably sleep 50 persons and are staggered to provide scenic views from each node. During the winter months, the cafĂŠ will expand to incorporate the platforms for dining, live music or performances, and social lounging. The refurbished building will offer food, supplies, and assistance to all guests, as well as a serving as the ticket office for special events in the space.

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USCIRE FUORI

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

17

RESPONSIVE RECYCLING

RICICLAGGIO DINAMICO

responsive recycling PROPOSAL Clare Tritschier Incorporating a recycling zone at this location would be beneficial for Gioiosa Marea. The zone would become an urban room in a network of spaces meant to help activate this particular connection between the beach and the town.

1. recycling area under bridge seperated into zones 2. items are placed on the appropriate shelves 3. sensors in the shelf trigger to illuminate the recylced item 4. when shelves are full, the back wall slides open and drops into receptacles for removal

hard intervention: water element

soft intervention: recycling shelves

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sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

19

CONNECTION POINT

PUNTO DI CONNESSIONE

connection point PROPOSAL Allie Shabouk Energy generating ground modules over areas of highest traffic produce a map of light to guide the user. Light wells acting as negative spaces in the ground recall the negative spaces created by nature. Curving walls on the boundaries of the junction form a destination space , and direct the user to the below ground Disco Bar. Soft Intervention : Level patterning and light-wells on road surface; boundary walls to contain the junction.

Hard Intervention : Below ground Disco Lit Map : There are energy generating sensors placed in the junction at different locations, which will cause different areas of the map to light up correspondingly. This will inform the public if there are any road closures; the map will not be lit in areas where there is no vehicular traffic.

20

Disco : The underground disco will provide a nightlife destination for the younger population of Gioiosa Marea and surrounding areas, which will also generate revenue for the town.

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

21

THE DESCENT

the descent PROPOSAL Alexandra Bojarski-Stauffer Tidal energy is produced through the use of tidal energy generators. These large underwater turbines are placed in areas with high tidal movements, and are designed to capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of ocean tides in order to produce electricity. Tidal power has great potential for future power and electricity generation because of the massive size of the oceans. These articles explore the potential energy of tidal power technologies.

22

LA DISCESA

ENTWINE

INTRECCIO

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

entwine PROPOSAL Lindsey Agnese Kiefer The site is in an optimal location on a bluff overlooking the ocean. However, it is severely under used. Some key issues that cause this are the discouraged circulation through entire site, unused seating, poor lighting, no prescribed parking, and no shelter from the elements. This design seeks to create an area where people, especially couples, can come and enjoy private moments under canopies, or sit on benches to view the sun setting over the Mediterranean Sea.

23

LIVE TRANSIT

live transit NARRATIVE Fernando Polo The Live Transit proposal investigates the intrusion of nature into the urban landscape. Through the multiple stages of natural growth, the advantages of variable boundaries will be investigated.

The introduction of tangible life and virtual life will reformulate the urban space in a sequence of human scenarios.

24

PASSAGGIO VIVO

PLAY

GIOCO

sicily lab|TSA Rome ORGANIC NETWORK

play PROPOSAL Ana Lucia Teran The proposal Play adds an interactive play area for children in the city. Stepping down from the mountain to the sea, it is constructed like a building block system.

The project is built over one of the torrenti of the city, and proses harnassing its energy to power the interactive light elements of the project.

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T A

T

T

A

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BRAIN STATION

STAZIONE PENSANTE

brain station NARRATIVE Zach Sarandos & Andrew Graham The Brain Station proposal addresses the flow of locals and tourists throughout Gioiosa Marea. It investigates the role of the torrenti as a commonly traveled path from the mountain, through the city, ending in the sea near the station. The intervention seeks to make this area a “collection pool” and not just the ignored “bank” of this fast moving torrenti.

The design proposal, using the image of a brain with far-reaching, sensing appendages, encourages tourists to ascend the hill, to experience and learn about the town and what the place has to offer. The appendages reach out to form connections to other site, gathering and revealing data.

REST: CAPSULE HOTEL

REFRESHMENT: BAR

The Project Addresses: Current Area Of Tourist Exploration Desired Routes Of Tourist Expansion New Connections From Vantage Points

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EXAMPLE EXPERIENCES: Archaeology Lab: layers of outside spaces Nature Lab: pods of 4 interior spaces and small decompression zones Geology Lab: long immersive rooms

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

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BRAIN STATION

brain station PROPOSAL Zach Sarandos & Andrew Graham

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STAZIONE PENSANTE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

31

DEAD END

dead end NARRATIVE ELLEN HAILEY, SOPHIE DARDANT Dead end addresses the lack of connection between the city and the mountain. Exposing the geographic data of the mountain by excavating a system of caves, the project creates new social spaces for the residents to interact with the geological data of the natural landscape.

GENESIS enter > explore CASCAVE stroke > sound (STRATA)GY touch > move VEGGIEBOUNCE jump > light INHABI-PODS sleep > immerse ROCKHAUS rise > relief

32

VICOLO CIECO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

33

DEAD END

dead end PROPOSAL ELLEN HAILEY, SOPHIE DARDANT

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VICOLO CIECO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

35

TOP OF THE WORLD

top of the world NARRATIVE ALLISON KASS & JASON LEVY Within the macro idea of tourism, the site focuses on the nature in the city. The project creates a synthetic forest with a series of four ‘tree-pods.’ These pods serve as self sustaining restaurants where visitors have the oppertunity to eat local foods and through information technology experience Gioiosa’s indigenous environment.

36

IN CIMA AL MONDO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

37

TOP OF THE WORLD

top of the world PROPOSAL ALLISON KASS & JASON LEVY

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IN CIMA AL MONDO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

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TOP OF THE WORLD

top of the world PROPOSAL ALLISON KASS & JASON LEVY

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IN CIMA AL MONDO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

41

TERRACED COMPENSATION

terraced compensation NARRATIVE Nicholas Orlando Gervasi & Christopher Tebalo Tellone Based on the layered history of Sicily, Terraced Compensation inserts a cascading hotel/exhibition space into the hillside.

Starting with current day Sicily at the top level, the project steps down in section with the hillside, and at at each level provides space for the exploration of another level of Sicilian history.

42

TERRAZZAMENTI DI COMPENSAZIONE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

43

TERRACED COMPENSATION

terraced compensation NARRATIVE Nicholas Orlando Gervasi & Christopher Tebalo Tellone

44

TERRAZZAMENTI DI COMPENSAZIONE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TAC ATTACK

information technology_ activated exhibit

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TRANSITIONAL A

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47

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

through the grapevine NARRATIVE MIRA ASHER, SARAH SIMONSON, & COREY SQUIRE Through the Grapevine proposes a boardwalk and pavilion at the edge of the sea to act as the backdrop for a newly planned wine festival. The design’s progression as it moves from the city down to the sea follows the production process of wine making. The first level features a small vineyard where visitors can see the grapes growing on the vines. The next level features a demonstration pavilion where the production occurs. The last platform at the boardwalk is the final step where the wine is actually bottled and tasted.

48

ATTRAVERSO IL VIGNETO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TRANSITIONAL ARRIVAL

49

THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

through the grapevine PROPOSAL MIRA ASHER, SARAH SIMONSON, & COREY SQUIRE

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ATTRAVERSO IL VIGNETO

sicily lab|TSA Rome TRANSITIONAL ARRIVAL

51

COLLISION

collision NARRATIVE JEN WICKHAM & MARDA LUGAR The Collision proposal aims to reinvigorate the piazza at the edge of town by honoring the collective memory of the people and harnessing the power of the sea. In creating a dynamic space at the edge of a sea, in a piazza that already includes a restaurant, the social landscape of the city will be reinvigorated. The piazza is imprinted with different surface conditions at varying levels to create a variety of spatial conditions. The water element at it’s center is powered by the sea, rising and falling with the waves.

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COLLISIONE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TRANSITIONAL ARRIVAL

53

CATCH AND RELEASE

catch and release NARRATIVE NATALIA HIDALGO, LAURA ROBIN, & KARRAH VILA CATCH + RELEASE deals with the lack of transitional arrival from the urban fabric of Gioiosa Marea to its coastal waters at a tunnel close to the train station. This tunnel was found in disrepair. It is completely hidden in a lush green wall and not seen until you are 2 meters away. The access to this tunnel consists of broken stairs at the entry to the beach. Boats are left in the sand haphazardly, while the street side is filled with cars.

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PRENDERE E LASCIARE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TRANSITIONAL ARRIVAL

APPROACH

EXIT

PROGRAM

MAGNETISM

55

CATCH AND RELEASE

catch and release PROPOSAL NATALIA HIDALGO, LAURA ROBIN, & KARRAH VILA In order to activate the passage closest to the station and make it more captivating to visitors and residents, a fishing fair can be conceptualized as a catalyst for creating permanent and temporary structures that will capture people to the transition space and the areas it connects.

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PRENDERE E LASCIARE

sicily lab|TSA Rome TRANSITIONAL ARRIVAL

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sicily lab|TSA Rome

A Special Collaboration Between ::

Rome Program 2010 Youtube Highlight Video :: Tulane School of Architecture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzxx4hZ1ry4

59

R RIVAL

AL A SIT

IO N

urban game

entertainment venue

urban furniture

ORGA

3 :: Through the Grapevine // Collision // Catch and Release

TR

AN

recycling center

NIC N ET W O R K

TA

C TA T CA

K

2 :: Brain Station // Dead End // Top of the World // Terraced Compensation

I :: Stitching Situation // Getting Out // Responsive Recycling // Connection Point // The Descent // Entwine // Live Transit // Play

The workshop is a collaboration between the research developed by Nitro Group and Tulane School of Architecture- Rome Program that will investigate in Fall 10 public spaces and social practices in the context of the city of Rome. The main goal is to develop investigations, discussions and design prototypes for temporary urban interventions that engage the notion of space, time and information technology as a main research field.

Today, the notion of temporality plays an increasingly important role in the revitalization of the left-over urban spaces . Technology and time become the main focus to frame the design approach, developing plug-in objects to intervene in the Mediterranean city of Gioiosa. In the current debate over the use of public space in cities, temporary uses are seen as tool of empowerment: revealing the possibilities of space

Technology intelligence and the notion of temporality become a strong research component for design. This theoretical approach will be the framework to evaluate and study the Mediterranean urban context of Gioiosa Marea located in the north-east area of Sicily. As other Mediterranean cities, Gioiosa is a place with strong contrasts between the extremely interesting Mediterranean landscape, history and archeology and the actual condition of the urban and architectural context.