Urban Design_Urban Economics_P02

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI

Master in Architecture Construction City Design Unit “C”

A new cultural facility for the City

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI - A NEW CULTURAL FACILITY FOR THE CITY

1. Highlight & inspire

First step is creating awareness of Factory site and the riverfront by demarcating the existing condition of the site.

2. Restore & connect

- strenghten existing entrances to the factory and park

- Revealing hidden vistas from the site

- Restoring scenic qualities by exploring the natural topography

3. Reconnect and discover

- Establishing connectivity to the river

-Improving biodiversity of the unprotected green spaces

4. Transform and enjoy

- Establishing connectivity between the park and river

- Creating visual public realm connection between the upper city and the riverfront.

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI - A NEW CULTURAL FACILITY FOR THE CITY | MASTERPLAN

1. Library and Archive Typology 1

Preserving the existing historical building and adding new bridge connection in the courtyard.

2. Museum Building Typology type 2

Restoring the existing factory building and adding new envelope outside the existing facade.

3. Recreational Building Typology type 3

a new bath house for the area.

4. Student Housing Building Typology Type 3

Restoring the old building and adding new roof and exterior facade to the student housing.

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI - A NEW CULTURAL FACILITY FOR THE CITY | MASTERPLAN

Manifattura Tabacchi: A new cultural facility for the City

Keyplan section

1. Water Edge View

2. Commerical area along the river

3. Adding new viewing deck along the river

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

COWORK | FARMERS MARKET | COMMUNITY CENTRE | CAFE & PUB

The building is located in the southern part of the site with easy access from the nearby residential area. It caters to the needs of the oating population as well as the local community. It houses the following facilities: A farmer’s market to sell the local produce, a community centre for kids and elderly that operates on a daily basis, a cafe with a pub and nally co-working or incubation centres that aids the local start-up businesses.

EXPLODED AXONOMETRY

The exploded axonometry shows the various uses allocated on various levels of the building units. The farmer’s market, community centre and kindergarten in the ground oor, cafe and pub in the basement and co-working on rst and second with a terraced garden.

VIEW (WEST)

VIEW (EAST)

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AXONOMETRIC VIEW OF THE BUILDING (ENTRANCE)

AXONOMETRIC VIEW OF THE BUILDING (RIVERSIDE)

LAYOUT OF CO-WORKING

LAYOUT OF CAFE

LAYOUT OF MARKET

LAYOUT OF

A RELAXATION SANCTUARY

SPA | WELLNESS AND BEAUTY CENTER

This southern portion of the Ex-Manifattura Tabacchi site was designed and planned as a versatile wellness center that caters to any and everyone looking for a good and relaxing time. The location of the building on the site facilitates its easy access from Corso Regio Parco and Strada alla Manifattura Tabacchi, and the beautiful building invites visitors in with the charm of its preserved yet restorated original facades.

The spa offers a large variety of treatments and activities in facilities designed to welcome people of all ages, creeds and abilities, guaranteeing their safety, privacy and mobility.

The building has retained its original envelope and internal distribution in order to preserve the historical identity of the factory. All facilities and functions have been arranged so as to disrupt the original layout as little as possible.

The main functions distributed around both the building and the site are: a restaurant, a wellness circuit and a beauty circuit. Other features, such as external pools and gardens, complement the design.

THE RESIDENTS

They are the end-users who will experience the space the most.

• They might not be investors in the project, but it is necessary to keep them satisfied, foster better local response, and establish an engagement plan for them as it is their home, and familiarity in the environment must not be lost.

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS

They make their livelihood here. Their businesses are one of the main attractors of visitors and tourists.

• They help maintain the social life of the residents, and contribute to the productivity and land use of the area. They might not be potential investors, but are essential to the identity of the area.

THE CHURCH

The influence of the church cannot be underestimated, as it is an existing mechanism essential to the identity of the community.

• Existence of church tourism, and the religious leaders are usually influential community members/leaders. They can also help with some of the pitfalls associated with community tension, and allow for other methods for community consultation.

Not only are they a main stakeholder, but are a potential actor on such a

MANIFATTURA TABACCHI. A NEW CULTURAL FACILITY FOR THE CITY

The topic of the course concerns the reconversion of abandoned and disused parts of the city and the extension of recycling practices to the urban and territorial scales; an issue that is getting more and more important and debated in the European context in the last decades.

The organization of the course is meant to replicate, in a very simplified version, the structure of a normal professional work, where the students will play the role of the designers, engaged both in the overall masterplan conception and in the design of a focused area, and the teachers will play from time to time several roles (chief architects, technical consultants, political deciders, private investors, popular committe leaders etc.), according to the evolution of the work, in order to stimulate the reaction of the students/designers when facing different constraints. The case study is the refurbishment of the former “Regia Manifattura Tabacchi” (Royal Tobacco Factory) in Torino.

It is a historical industrial settlement which encompasses around 10 hectars, and whic is now supposed to be transformed in a cultural facility, whose main stakeholders will be Politecnico di Torino and University of Torino. The main part of the program will include a huge archive district (200.000 to 400.000 linear meters of archives are supposed to be located in the premises). Other activities, such as, conference halls, classrooms, offices etc. will be part of the program. The project is not limited to the former factory itself, but also to the premises of the former “Vanzina” spinning mill and to the relics of the adjacent industrial shed, which can be destinated to other public facilities. A new connection between the two sides of the river is suggested, and the project shall include also considerations at the urban scale.

Project Explanation:

Located near Parco della Confluenza in Turin, this site holds historical significance with its former factory and captivating facade, making it a focal point in the design process. Through meticulous analysis of the Urban scale of the project, we examined various maps, including the Hydrogeology map, major transit network map, open and built map, and commercial network map. Our research revealed that the site falls within the restricted zone of the river, prohibiting new constructions along its banks. However, we identified an opportunity to transform the interior and courtyard areas of the factory site. Guided by the theme of Ecology and Biodiversity derived from our map analysis, our design philosophy centers around preserving the site’s existing landscape potential with minimal interventions.

Inspired by the site’s natural topography, we have breathed new life into the defunct canal and incorporated small wetland plots, offering opportunities for urban farming. Recognizing the site’s integration with the local neighborhood, we aspire to create job prospects for the community through on-site farming initiatives and a farmer’s market. Our key stakeholder, Polito, has guided us in incorporating an archive and library to cater to the needs of students and researchers. Additionally, to attract visitors and honor the site’s history as a former factory, we have included a museum and cultural center. Turin’s reputation as a student city necessitates addressing the demand for student housing. Hence, our design encompasses student housing units enveloped by verdant landscapes, providing a serene living environment and convenient access to the new metro line.

The site boasts several courtyards, each optimized to fulfill its specific function and cater to the demands it serves. To enhance connectivity and foster community engagement, we have crafted recreational areas along the river, offering amenities such as bathhouses, water sports facilities, spas, gyms, and picturesque walking trails. By intertwining historical architecture with modern living standards, this project encapsulates a fresh perspective on revitalizing Turin’s heritage while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

In summary, our design approach for the site near Parco della Confluenza in Turin embraces its historical significance and leverages comprehensive map analysis. Through the lens of ecology and biodiversity, we seek to preserve the site’s natural landscape while introducing strategic interventions. The revival of the canal and incorporation of wetland plots cater to urban farming, providing sustainable opportunities for the local community. By accommodating essential facilities like archives, libraries, student housing, and cultural centers, we ensure the site becomes a vibrant hub for education, research, and leisure. Moreover, the inclusion of recreational areas along the river fosters connectivity and enriches the overall living experience for residents. This project represents a harmonious blend of historical preservation and modern development, resulting in a remarkable transformation that celebrates Turin’s architectural heritage while catering to the evolving needs of its inhabitants.