Tommaso Venturini ARCHITECT - ENGINEER
Work Samples
STUDENT DORMITORY EXTENSION
Design of a student dormitory based on environmental sustainability criteria, as an extension proposal of the existing campus “E. Mattei” in the University of Urbino. Università Politecnica delle Marche Faculty of Building engineering-Architecture Master thesis project Location: Urbino, Italy [2015]
Aim of the project is the resolution of the problems of the existing campus dorm (such as inadequate and disconnected spaces, insufficient beds, lack of infrastructures) by connecting a new dormitory as an extension. The new structure increase the number of beds for students developing a network of new public spaces, both internal and external. In this way, a strong connection to both the surroundings and the existing building is achieved. The surrounding landscape has a strong influence, becoming an integral part of the design. The existing natural slope is preserved, as the entire structure is raised and suspended above the ground, by a series of supporting columns. Partially encapsulated under the complex, the slope is turned into a public space that can be progressively utilized by the inhabitants. Wood is largely applied, both as the main structural and insulating material. The project has two different ‘faces’. Movable wooden sunscreens cover the openings of the south facade, giving an impression of a solid envelope. Whereas the north facade is translucent, comprising polycarbonate panels. Being lightweight and with excellent thermal properties, the panels reveal the building’s structure and allow for natural light in the interior spaces.
A network of paths connects the different levels of the interior and exterior public spaces, allowing for an uninterrupted exploration of the complex in a unified and coherent way. In particular, a covered exterior walkway, is formed at the slope at the ground level. Columns create a kind of porch providing a rhythmic pattern. An internal network of corridors, supported by wooden portals connects the internal spaces. At the same time, the polycarbonate panels of the facade allow a visual connection to the external environment as well as for natural light to penetrate in the corridors. At the roof level, a walkway connects the individual terraces. The entire roof is turned into a public living space, as for each interior space there is a corresponding external one. These levels define three different relationship and perception of the surrounding landscape.
Energy strategies for different external conditions. SUMMER DAY
SUMMER NIGHT
WINTER DAY
WINTER NIGHT
Stratigraphy, performance and passive measures provide from each wall and roof element.
Thermal mass
Insulation
Thermal mass
Insulation
Thermal mass
Insulation Humidity regulation
Thermal mass
Insulation Humidity regulation
Insulation
Summer School of Architecture 2016 - “Living Unit” ‘DOM&STICK’ The aim of the workshop is to design and build in two weeks prototype shelters designed for immigrants and refugees coming to Europe. Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Poland) Summer Workshop Team: Ir.Arch.T. Venturini, Arch. J. Wassing, Arch. Y. Liu, Z. Robutka, E. Hejducka Location: Wroclaw, Poland [2016]
1 SINGLE PREFABRICATED ELEMENT
2
SMALL AND MOVABLE
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The theme of the workshop ‘Living Unit’ refers to innovative, mobile or deployable, low cost housing solutions which will bring the answer to one of the biggest issues in today’s Europe – the migration crisis, redefinition of living space and description of minimal living conditions. The task is to design a living unit, which can be easily transported as a pre-fabricated product. Our team decided to focus on the design of a single basic element, easy to move and assemble, which allows to create many different structures and shapes for multiple uses. The element is small enough to be stored in a box and carried in EU palette. It basically consists of a wood slab with two different joints at the end, one central hole which allows rotation surrounded by a different number of holes in the extremities. This solution gives the possibility to adjust and lock the elements with a minimum rotation of 10 degrees. This allow us to provide a certain flexibility to create different geometries according to the actual needs. Any material can be later used as a finishing layer, because the structure is strong enough to allow further customizations for the walls. A basic shelter can turn into a more permanent accommodation, choosing proper materials according to the climate and what is readily available in place. Some form of vertical farming is also possible filling the walls with ground (sack gardening i.e.). This possibilities of customization contribute to establish a sense of belonging, as opposed to a 'ready-to-use' shelter. For the mockup construction we finally choose textile as finishing layer, a light material which allows to create a cozy and comfortable environment and meet the needs to move the shelter later on.
FLEXIBLE AND STRONG Many possible geometries allow for different use.
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VARIOUS FINISHING, MATERIALS AND CUSTOMIZATION
Water collection
5 MANY SPATIAL COMBINATIONS
POSSIBLE GEOMETRIC VARIATIONS
DISMANTLING AND MOVING OPTION
MOCKUP DETAILS Junctions
Bottom detail
Top detail
Construction detail
75
75
40°
10
150-9
150
150
150-12
°
30
20
55 40 110
1110
55 40 110 1110
20
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
MOCKUP
VOLARE - NEW ATELIER COMPLEX IN A MARBLE QUARRY Experimental design of a complex of atelier inside the evocative roman marble quarry in the city of Carrara, Italy. Technische Universitat Darmstadt Faculty of Architecture Design course: Experimentelles Gestalten Location: Morlungo, Carrara quarry, Italy [2011]
The artificial landscape is characterized by a strong geometry, result of the abrupt deep cuts and subsequent removal of enormous marble blocks. The extraction activities through the centuries indelibly marked the mountain. This unique character of the site forms the design’s guideline, turning the rock into accessible vertical routes. Protruding and recessed (excavated) blocks leave small pathways between the cuts. One enter into a cave, and suddenly turn, or stop, without any particular final destination. This existing ‘pathways’ become part of the project. The ateliers consist of hovering blocks, connected by a network of paths that relate many different areas along the vertical quarry wall. Each point can be accessed by multiple routes, allowing interesting alternatives of movement. The pathways extend further than it is tightly necessary, in an attempt for the visitors to explore the morphology, caves and recessions of the quarry, having different perceptions of the cliff-wall. The ‘detached’ admiration of its geometric white shapes becomes a direct contact with the mountain and his surroundings.
Pictures of the design model in scale 1:200 realised with gypsum.
PROMENADE FOR THE CITY OF CATTOLICA Design of a new promenade to reconnect the city of Cattolica with the seafront, including new touristic facilities. Design Competition Design Team: Ir.Arch. T. Venturini, Ir.Arch. A. Silvi, Arch. A. Dini, Ir. S. Scola Location: Cattolica, Italy [2015]
The main concept is naturally inspired by the water element, and the proximity with the sea. Various pathways with different functions are formed along a line imitating a sequence of propagating waves along the promenade. The sequence of curves generates a spatial continuum, but at the same time defines routes, streets, resting areas and green spaces. The wave becomes a symbol of interaction and of a continuous connection between the urban areas and the sea. Colors and materials become essential elements of the design. The chromatic contrast indicates the transition between urban and natural areas. The promenade itself becomes a sort of urban park acting as a filter between the two areas. The different textures and materials on the paving surface define the various routes, from the bike paths to the maritime walk.
TOWER FOR THE “ARCHITEKTURSOMMER RHEIN-MAIN 2011” Design of a tower as an installation for the “Architektursommer Rhein-Main” event in Darmstadt, focusing on the structural details. Technische Universitat Darmstadt Faculty of Architecture Design course: Entwerfen und Baugestaltung Location: Darmstadt, Germany [2010]
Inspired by the dynamics of a flying kite, the tower's shape is generated from the circular rotation of the structural elements that follow and reveal the movement of the staircase in the core of the structure. The external elevation is light and permeable, covered partially by stripes, exposing the movement of the people ascending or descending the staircase. As one ascends the view is not entirely revealed, keeping a mystery until one reaches the top to experience the full panoramic view. The top platform can serve as an exhibition space during the Architektursommer.