MSC IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND HISTORY ｜ A.Y. 2019-2020
PLANNING IN HISTORICAL CONTEXT STUDIO DEALING WITH ‘WICKED PROBLEMS’: THE CASE OF TARANTO ‘OLD TOWN’
ENCOUNTER THE LOST BEAUTY GROUP 6 DUAN MEIJIE ｜ LONG TENG ｜ SHEN XIAOYA ｜ YANG JINGXI
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ---------- 05 PART 1. ANALYSIS ---------- 07 ACCESSIBILITY, LAND USE, USED & PLANNED, SOLID VOID & RUINS, TIMELINE, SOICAL ANALYSIS, SWOT ANALYSIS, LOST BEAUTIES
PART 2. GENERAL PLANNING IDEAS ---------- 25 KEYWORDS, STRATEGY, MARE PICCOLO PHASES (I - III), CITTÀ VECCHIA PHASES (I - III), EVENTS PLANNING, ACTORS & ACTIONS
PART 3. INTERVENTIONS ---------- 41 1: EXHIBITION / WORKSHOP BLOCKS 2. URBAN VOIDS (LARGE) 3. HOTEL RENOVATION (ROOF PLATFORM) 4: URBAN VOIDS (SMALL) 5: ALLEYS 6: CROSS RUINS 7: RUIN RENOVATION (RESTAURANT / BAR / PLAZA) 8: WATERFRONT (ART INSTALLATIONS) INTERVENTIONS ARRANGEMENT VISULIZATION
As one of the largest industry areas in Italy, the city image of Taranto is limited, further
Nonostante questo, il nostro progetto propone di trovare la bellezza nascosta in molti
natural environment has been forgotten. Many abandoned buildings and infrastructure on
edifici ed infrastrutture abbandonate. Il concetto della nostra proposta è cambiare
Città Vecchia stay in seriously decayed state. According to recent reports and analyses,
l'idea delle rovine come debolezza per farle diventare un punto di attrazione futura.
increasing resident’s migration and low educated population enlarge the problem of Città Vecchia. In our new proposal, ruins will be transformed from weakness to future
Questa strategia si sviluppa in due scale simultaneamente. Una scala più grande
attractions.
riguarda l'area del mare piccolo e del suo entroterra dove è possibile trovare siti storici e diverse rovine industriali abbandonate. Inoltre, nel centro storico, vicoli
New urban planning aim to transfer public attention from industry to Mare Piccolo area.
stretti e diversi vuoti urbani si collegheranno per costruire nuovi accessi tra l’asse
Planning strategy will start with ruins and existing historic sites. Narrow alleys and
principale di via duomo verso il lungomare del Mar Piccolo. In particolare, si propone
urban voids will connect to build new accesses between main axis on Via Duomo and
un nuovo percorso, grazie al quale le rovine prendono un nuovo uso e funzione.
seaside pathway. Urban activity and daily leisure space will locate next to new alley axis. Meanwhile, ruins will be transformed for functional use. Modern art installations
Installazioni ed interventi di arte moderna arricchiranno l’attività di Città Vecchia. Questo sarà
and interventions will enrich the visiting activity on Città Vecchia after the infrastructure
possibile grazie non solo allo sviluppo di nuove infrastrutture e progetti di riqualificazione,
development. The new city network become clearer and connect to Mare Piccolo
ma anche grazie a nuove reti di portatori di interessi. Il progetto cerca di creare un nuovo
surrounded roads.
rapporto tra Città Vecchia e la cittadinanza di Taranto, che diventerà più forte col tempo.
The proposed bike pathway connects the existing natural preservation zone and historic
Infine la proposta cerca di collegare Città Vecchia al Mar Piccolo. Si propone infatti una
sites around Mare Piccolo. In the future, part of the military area will become view spot
pista ciclabile che collega le riserve naturali esistenti ed i punti di belleza individuati intorno
for Taranto. While new high-speed railway station will be built near to the proposed
al Mar Piccolo. L’area militare per esempio, diventerà un nuovo lungomare per Taranto.
military museum to improve accessibility for whole Taranto area.
Inoltre, si prevede una futura nuova stazione ferroviaria da realizzare vicino al museo militare proposto, per migliorare l’accessibilità dell’intera area di Taranto.
Taranto è conosciuta per essere una delle più grandi città industriali di Italia, ma la sua bellezza si trova nascosta tra i suoi tanti confliti. Il suo centro storico è segnato da tanti edifici in stato di rovina e dalla forte contaminazione del suo ambiente circostante. 5
PART 1. ANALYSIS
7
OUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF TARANTO WHEN WE APPROACHING THERE BY BUS......
HEAVY INDUSTRY......
9
ACCESSIBILITY (MARE PICCOLO)
There are several ways to approach Taranto. However, since there is no airpor t nearby. Tourists need to fly to Bari firstly and arrive from the north by bus or train. It is unavoidable for them to see the heavy industry area firstly and leave a strong impression of Taranto being an industry city. Ta r a n t o a l s o h a s g o o d potential to become a cruise por t, and there already existing a few projects aimed to develop the port area. 10
ACCESSIBILITY (CITTÀ VECCHIA)
Città vecchia connects to the mainland only through two bridges at either side of the island. Vehicles roads are placed around the outer edge. In most conditions, Città Vecchia only function as a bridge between Tamburi and Borgo Nuovo. The narrow and complex alleys create difficulties for the visitor to explore the old town area. The traffic condition on the main bridges are quite messy. Car, bike and pedestrians are not well separated. Due to the large traffic flow on the bridge, the air quality is not very good either. 11
LAND USE (MARE PICCOLO)
Through the land use analysis, the difference between the west and the east side. Heavy industry area lies to the east of CittĂ Vecchia. Within this area, there is one large residential zone, including a number of CittĂ Vecchia citizens who suffered from the structural danger of their houses and move to the Tamburi. Around the Mare Piccolo, there is a large green area. But most of the coast near the residential area is occupied by the navy. Hence, citizens at the Borgo Nuovo can hardly get access to the Mare Piccolo coast. However, several navy areas are decaying and are planned to move out. Hence, there is potential to use these lands in the future. 12
USED & PLANNED (CITTĂ€ VECCHIA)
The decay problem in CittĂ Vecchia is quite serious. Large percentage of buildings are abandoned. Hence, we firstly analyses the current used buildings and their functions. For these buildings which are historic but decayed, there are several projects and organizations that are planning to restore and renovated the buildings. This analysis also helpful for us to realize the value of these abandoned buildings and organize the different impor tance for abandoned buildings. 13
SOLID , VOID & RUINS (MARE PICCOLO)
In the diagram, red blocks represent the r uins or the abandoned buildings. And black blocks indicate the building density of the area. Through analysis, it is clear that around the Mare Piccolo, there are many abandoned buildings. Though the density is not crowded enough to form a complete residential town. However, they can be transformed into relaxing spots near the main road or resor ts which in the fields near the sea. 14
SOLID , VOID & RUINS (CITTĂ€ VECCHIA)
Different from Mare Piccolo, CittĂ Vecchia's r uins are denser and closely connected to each other. These ruins are hidden in the center and surrounded by other buildings. It is both challenge and opportunities for us. Because on the one hand, these ruins do not have outstanding features to attract visitors to come in to the narrow alleys. And investors may do not want to restore them. On the other hand, these roofless buildings problem important open spaces for the crowded building blocks. 15
PHOTOS OF RUINS
16
PHOTOS OF URBAN VOIDS
17
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To understanding the unique features of Taranto buildings, we also analyses its history. There are several interesting facts that we found helpful for our design. Firstly, we find that because the limitation of the extension of the city in the 19th century, people choose to build additional levels on the buildings. We think it is maybe a useful method when we dealing with the ruin renovations. With added new levels, these ruins can have more space for human activity and keep it traditional appearance at the same time. 18
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The second interesting fact is that the north bridge is not built as it used to be. The old bridge is crashed by the flood. The rebuilding project changes its direction, and one main road is abandoned as well. The roads in front of the new bridge are quite messy, maybe we can clarify the road through redesign the transportation following the historical paths. The third facts are the reason of the large population flow from Città Vecchia to the surrounding areas. It reminds us the importance of improving the life quality on the island and proving enough work positions for the citizens. 19
SOICAL ANALYSIS
0.0%-1.4% 1.4%-3.5% 0-3
3.5%-5.3%
3 - 34
5.3%-8.1%
0.00 - 0.20
34 - 123
8.1%-12.5%
0.20 - 0.40
123 - 261
12.5%-20.0%
0.40 - 0.60
261 - 523
20.0%-33.3%
0.60 - 0.80
523 - 2368
33.3%-50%
0.80 - 1.00
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3.5%-5.3%
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5.3%-8.1%
0.20 - 0.40
123 - 261
8.1%-12.5%
0.40 - 0.60
261 - 523
12.5%-20.0%
0.60 - 0.80
523 - 2368
20.0%-33.3%
0.80 - 1.00
POPULATION
UNEMPLOYMENT
LOW - EDUCATED 20
Through the GIS analysis, the relation between population, unemployment and loweducation is quite clear. The average education level in Taranto is not ver y high. Hence, when we dealing with the unemployment, we need to considering the reality situation.
GREEN SPACE
LACK OF
PUBLIC SPACE
DENSE BUILDINGS
MESSING ALLEYS COMPLICATED
DIRTY
LOW SECURITY
WEAKNESS
CLIMATE CHANGE
FLOODS
ECONOMIC CRISIS
INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION CRIME
EXTERNAL
UNEMPLOYMENT
SWOT ANALYSIS LANDSCAPE RESOURSE SEAS
NATURAL RESERVE
CULTURAL HERITAGE
ACCESSIBILITY
STRENGTH
INTERNAL
LOW-EDUCATED CITIZENS
RUINED ABANDONED
COLLAPSED
THREAT
SWOT ANALYSIS
MULTI-CULTURE ARCHAEOLOGY
HISTORY
BIODIVERSITY Dolphin
Bisso
OPPORTUNITY TOURISM SHIPPING TRAVEL
ART FESTIVAL BICYCLE SYSTEM
REUSING ABANDONMENT LOCAL HANDCRAFT
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
21
Through the SWOT analysis, we realizing it is impor tant to turn our weakness into strength. For instance, if narrow alley could be combined with the unique landscape and the all-around sea view, there could form a unique view toward the sea. The abandoned r uins also create the unique human less atmosphere. These different feelings can become the feature and new impression of Città Vecchia.
LOST BEAUTIES (MARE PICCOLO)
Taranto is of ten cited for its industry, or ILVA, Italy's biggest steel plant. However, Taranto's unique location, embracing two seas, gives it amazing landscapes. In addition, there are abundant ecological resources, like Bisso, olives, nature reserves, Jonian dolphins, and archaeological sites. Along the shores of Mar piccolo, there are many beautiful sights and things to see. It is not that Taranto is not beautiful, but many beautiful things have been forgotten. While, our mission is to find those lost beauties. 22
NAVY PORT
GREEN AREA AROUND 23
LOST BEAUTIES (CITTĂ€ VECCHIA)
During our research in citta vecchia, we found that the island has many winding alleys, which are very narrow a n d m e s s y. B u t a s y o u wander through these alleys, a surprise pops up every once in a while. They might be a funny graffiti, a sculpture on the wall, a leaping staircase.Or the sea at the end of a narrow roadway can be a bright spot.All in all, these beautiful images hide behind the chaos here, but they can also be an advantage for taranto if we update them and present them in new ways. 24
ALLEY AND ARCHES
COMPLEX STAIRS AND WALL DRAWINGS
25
SEA VIEW THROUGH NARROW ALLEY
PART 2. GENERAL PLANNING IDEAS
27
STRATEGY
Based on the above analysis, the strategy we choose is to draw visitors' attentions from the west industry area to the east side of the Mare Piccolo. East side has better environment and large potential for development.
PART ONE
PART TWO
PART THREE 29
Firstly, through adjusting the transpor tation system, the traffic center will be move to the east side and increase the usage of the new built Punta Penna Bridge. In Città Vecchia, A new pedestrian bridge will be designed based on the historical location of the crashed old bridge. The pedestrian bridge can separate the vehicles and non-vehicles. In this way, Città Vecchia will become a continues par t of the transpor tation circle around the Mare Piccolo. Secondly, by developing the north-south axis alleys in Città Vecchia, the original main east-west axis will connect to the circles around the Mare Piccolo. And it will create a deeper connection between Città Vecchia and surrounding areas.
MARE PICCOLO: CURRENT SITUATION
(There will be three phases applied on both Mare Piccolo and CittĂ Vecchia. These phases will be applied at the same time. For instance, Phase I Mare Piccolo will be operated with the Phase I CittĂ Vecchia at the same time) This diagram indicates the current situation of the Mare Piccolo. The main transpor tation system for visitors are crowded near the industry area. Hence, it is unavoidable for them to see the heavy industry and polluted areas. The existing road around the Mare Piccolo is also not pedestrian-friendly for the tourists. They are discontinued and some parts are abandoned. 30
MARE PICCOLO: PHASES I
In the first phase, the new paths at the east side are proposed to avoid directly expose to the polluted areas. The new paths reuse some abandoned old roads; hence the expense will not be very high. In the new proposed transpor tation system, the P u n t a Pe n n a B r i d g e w i l l be used more of ten. The discontinued discovery paths around the Mare Piccolo at this stage will also be connected to each other. The existing tourism attractions is connected by the new circulation. These attractions will also be restored or improved. At the nor th side of CittĂ Vecchia, a new por t and a new pedestrian bridge are proposed to build. The por t idea is based on the current planning project, which may connect Taranto to Sicilia and involve Taranto become one stop of the Cruise route. The new pedestrian bridge can separate the non-vehicles and connect CittĂ Vecchia to the circulation around Mare Piccolo. 31
MARE PICCOLO: PHASES II
In the second phase, more abandoned buildings around new circles will be listed and renovated, and they can be used as camping spots or relaxing spots on the discover paths. All of the attractions in the phase and the renovated spots will together form an interesting discover circle around Mare Piccolo. As mentioned above, the new built por t can bring tourists from cruises. This discovery path can provide both historic and natural experience for the tourists who arrive Taranto by ship. This discover y path is not force people to travel following it, it is more similar to a suggested guide. Tourists can rent bicycle or walk to discover Taranto by themselves. 32
MARE PICCOLO: PHASES III
On the one hand, based on the information that we find, government is considering reuse one abandoned train station and introduce high speed train to this area. And the new station will be located near the Punta Penna Bridge and not far from our discovery path, which means it can also be involved into our new circulation. On the other hand, many of the navy bases are planning to move. Since many of them now are occupying the beautiful water fronts, these abandoned bases can be transformed into public buildings, parks or resorts. The large circle around Mare Piccolo can help to develop the east side undeveloped area. And CittĂ Vecchia as the impor tant par t if the chain, will also be well developed. 33
CITTÀ VECCHIA: CURRENT SITUATION
(There will be three phases applied on both Mare Piccolo and Città Vecchia. These phases will be applied at the same time. For instance, Phase I Mare Piccolo will be operated with the Phase I Città Vecchia at the same time) In Città Vecchia, there are two sources that we found to have high potential. The first one is the existing cultural interests such as the Castello Aragonese and many cathedrals. The second one is what we called 'lost beauties'. The unique landscape and layout create many interesting alleys with beautiful view, and the ar twork on the wall also creates pleasant surprises for our visit. Moreover, the abandoned roofless buildings with tree grow inside also creates an odd kind of beauty for Città Vecchia. 34
CITTÀ VECCHIA: PHASES I
In first phase, to connect Città Vecchia with the discovery path, a new bridge was built to separate the vehicles and non-vehicles (bicycle and pedestrians). It will make walk become safer and less dirt. The new cruise por t, which connects Sicilia, will be placed at the west side connect to the existing main east-west axis. And most of the existing cultural tourism spots are located near this axis. In this stage, renovation and enter tainment is the keywords. By renovating the large abandoned buildings, more art related activities can be introduced in Città Vecchia and attract more tourists. Considering the expense, only two main nor th-south axis alleys will be renovated. These two alleys connect the large city voids (can be future public gathering spot) and quite important for the project. 35
CITTĂ€ VECCHIA: PHASES II
In second phase, most of the nor th-south axis are renovated. These alleys connect CittĂ Vecchia more closely to the main discovery path (redline). Till this stage, the island discovery system is fully formed. Alleys connect the renovated ruins and city voids. During ar t events or other event, the whole island function as an open exhibition and activity space. Since small urban voids are used both as citizens' daily gathering spot (chatting etc.) and exhibition spot (during events). These alleys are quite important for guiding. During normal days, alleys are not decorated and visitors will not be leading to the gathering spot, which will protect citizens' privacy. And during event, the decorated alleys will introduce visitor to exploring and discovering the beauty of Taranto by themselves. 36
CITTĂ€ VECCHIA: PHASES III
If the project can be welldeveloped, a lot of work positions can be created o n t h e i s l a n d . Fo r t h e s e people who have to leave their hometown because of the decaying houses will be welcomed to come back again. The service economy does not necessarily need high educational population, which can benefit more different groups of inhabitants. The larger tourist flow may will challenge the containing ability of the existing hotels and B&Bs. Hence, more buildings can be renovated to become hotels. Through all of these methods, we aimed to transform CittĂ Vecchia to become a tourism and cultural center of this area. And during this process, local people can also benefit from the development 37
EVENTS PLANNING Activities In Città Vecchia Jan - Food Festival Feb - Carnival Mar - Book / Theater Event Apr - Easter Jul & Aug - Night Art Festival Oct - Halloween Nov - Movie / Art Featival Activities Round Mare Piccolo Mar - Bicycle Race Jun - Sailboat / Fisherman Event Jul & Aug - Night Marathon Sep - Half Marathon All Year - Dolphin Visiting All Year - Night Industry Lighting Tour
In the future Città Vecchia, there will be a wealth of activities every month. Special events will be held based on the seasonal features. For example, there will be special religious activities on Easter in April, which is already a popular traditional activity. During summer in June, July and August,, there will be sea activities, fishermen's festivals, Night art festivals and so on. Other activities take place throughout the year. Since Taranto is the habitat for the Jonian dolphin, there will be Dolphin Study Tours throughout the year. We will also organize Night industry lighting Tours using the industrial areas' lighting. With these event, visitors can have various of interesting experience in Città Vecchia. 38
ACTORS & ACTIONS
This diagram shows the relationship between actors and their interests, actions and those interests, and the interaction of the three. The thickness of the line indicates how interested the actors are in these aspects. After stacking, different actors have different widths, and the wider the width, the more important the actors are. The same rule applies to interests and actions. For example, INU, priya, tourists, etc., are the more impor tant actors."Cross the ruins", "renovation the abandonment", "cycling trip" is the more important actions of the site. From this picture, we can also see that our group's plan for the future direction of the site is to become a comprehensive tourism destination dominated by arts and leisuring activities. 39
ACTORS & ACTIONS
Artistic International
European
IAA/AIAP
Entertaining
Sporting
Political
Economic
World running
Social
Ecological
Givengain
FILE
Digicult
Cycle Europe
INU
Street art 360
EIF
(Istituto Nazionale Urbanistica)
ELMIF
(European Leisure Marine Industry Federation)
Tourists FIDAL
National
Italian Art Society
Regional
Municiple
Puglia Creativa
Invitalia
FCI STA-Italia
ISG
RAI Social Film Fund con il Sud
Apulia film commissions
Peacelink Italian Domenico Hotels
(National agency for attracting investments)
ILVA
Puglia region
Tamburi Combatenti
Citizens
Municipality of Taranto
Universita del mare
NISEA
Domenico Campagna Italian Navy
Museums
Angelo Cannada
Neighbourhood
Zed1 Salvatore de Luca (Architect)
My Dog Sighs
40
National hydro-graphic organization
JDC
Different actors play different roles in the process of the project, defining different issues. In our project, there are seven categories of actors, namely enter taining, spor ting, enter taining, political, economic, social and ecological.
ACTORS & ACTIONS Investors : INVITALIA (National Agency For Attracting Investments And Business Development Spa) EIF (European Investment Fund) ISG (Inziativa Sviluppo Group) Real Estate Developer Givengain
Municipal/Government: Municipality Of Taranto Puglia Region Italian Navy Port Authority INU (Istituto Nazionale Urbanistica)
Hotels: Italian Domenico Hotels (Combining Puglia And Luxury) IBIS Art : The International Association Of Art Italian Art Society FILE (Electronic Language International Festival) Digicult Agency Street Artists: Street Art 360 Zed1 My Dog Sighs Sport: Marathon: World Running (International Marathons And Distance Races) FIDAL (Federazione Italiana Di Atletica Leggera) Sailboat: STA-Italia (Sail Training Association Italy) ELMIF (European Leisure Marine Industry Federation) Cycling: Cycle Europe Movie: Apulia Film Commissions, Apulia Film Fund Social Film Fund Con Il Sud Conservation Association: JDC (Jonian Dolphin Conservation) Institute For Costal Marine Environment National Hydro-Graphic Organization
41
Others: Le Sciaje (Angelo Cannada) Architect - Salvatore de Luca Local citizen Tourists Scuola di mariculture di Taranto Universita del mare
PART 3. INTERVENTIONS
43
INTERVENTIONS The following par t will introduce our interventions in the urban planning. We have in total eight intervention methods, and we choose three areas as examples to explain these methods. The cases that we refer to and the reasons behind each inter vention will also be explained. These interventions combine our own experience on the island and the unique feature of CittĂ Vecchia. On the one hand, these methods will help to keep the history and traces of Taranto development. On the other hand, it will also help to evoke the lost beauty in Taranto.
RANDE
MARE G
A
C B
COLO
MARE PIC
N
44
AREA A - INTERVENTIONS 1: EXHIBITION / WORKSHOP BLOCKS
The first intervention method that we use is to embrace several buildings to form a large building block. This kind of intervention is designed for exhibition and workshop space. Because art exhibition has a strict requirement for the building height and space. The different building height in the large block can fit various of art pieces' requirements. There are also some roofless and floorless buildings, and they can be transformed into courtyard for outdoor lectures, events or exhibitions. Alleys between these individual buildings are built by steel structure and covered by sloping glass surfaces, which will create an in-between space feeling, people stand indoors but still feel the nature and surrounding environment. The roof can also be used for events such as Post Disaster Rooftops. 46
We find several case studies about how to connect the different buildings. And we are inspired by the unique steel frame in the alleys. These frames are placed to hold the decayed walls from crashing. Even though people may think it is a symbol for poor or urban decaying. However, this is also part of Taranto's history that should not be covered by future new and modern life.
Hurdle House (Adam Knibb Architects), New Alresford, United Kingdom
Small alleys in Taranto, support by streel frame 47
Hence, we combine the idea of Taranto steel frame and glass covering. With the minimum elements, the original appearance is kept and the space also become useable indoor workshop space.
AREA B - INTERVENTIONS 2: URBAN VOIDS (LARGE)
The second method we choose is to find function for urban voids based on its own feature. We will choose some interesting places intervene as example for similar place. As shown above, this area next to street with open platform. Staircases will lead people going down another street automatically. It is located between two main city axis and connected these parallel axis vertically in daily life. All structures remain in good conditions, and need limited interventions to renew the space. Local resident still using this space as leisure area. 48
Nathan Phillips Square Revitalization (PLANT Architect/ Perkins+Will), Toronto, Canada
We found one place where clearly shown city feature of Taranto - height difference. The existing walls have street paintings already. There is one blank facade in front of staircases, which has enough space to be screen for outdoor cinema. The place is around by buildings and avoid transportation noise from streets. Existing staircase could be seats for outdoor cinema as well as other activities. People’s sight will not be influenced by each other because of the number of staircases, it is enough to deal with different number of people requirement.
Urban Voids (stair) in Taranto 49
AREA C: SECTION ON MAIN AXIS
Area C is one of the most impor tant axes in our planning. It contains 6 out of 8 kinds of interventions in our design. It located in the center of CittĂ Vecchia, and includes the main entrance for the largest ruin renovation zone. 50
INTERVENTIONS 3: HOTEL RENOVATION (ROOF PLATFORM)
In the south side of Taranto, there are many decayed palazzos with delicate facade. For instance, there is an abandoned historic building on the offshore side. Although it has been abandoned, it has a good geographical location, beautiful sea views and interesting architectural details. We hope that this building can be active again. On the other hand, the overall planning of the CittĂ Vecchia is tourism complex which needs to be provided more services for tourists, so we intend to transform this building into a hotel. In order to respect the authenticity of history, we will keep the overall structure of the building, but at the same time we need to re-divide the internal space to create a comfortable living space. In the future, the guests of this hotel will enjoy unique sea view, roof bar and other services. 51
When we were thinking about how to use this roof terrace, this Australian roof bar inspired us. Because the historic building which we chose faces to the sea and has a unique advantage, it deserves to be well-used. This case creates a green environment on the roof, and an open cinema space not only saves budget, but also can make people enjoy beautiful night views of the city. We can learn to use similar methods to create roof gardens and bars, using wood materials to emphasize the bar space. This roof not only have fantastic sea and night views and fresh air, but also could be used as temporary art exhibition and cinema spaces (maybe even art movie premiere).
Rooftop Bar & Cinema (Techne Architecture + Interior Design), Melbourne, Australia 52
INTERVENTIONS 4: URBAN VOIDS (SMALL)
In CittĂ Vecchia, there are many small urban voids between residential buildings that can be reformed as social spaces. They are usually connected by narrow alleys, some locate deeply in the city, and the others maybe even hidden by surrounding buildings. We hope that by transforming this type of small voids, we can provide local inhabitants and future residents with more activities and social spaces. In order to complete the overall planning of the tourism complex, during the festival, visitors will be guided here by several designed alleys. They can visit temporary outdoor exhibitions both in alleys and these small urban voids. We have chosen one of the small voids as an example. In fact, this approach will be spread throughout the island to provide residents with a more comfortable life environment. And meanwhile they can also provide tourists with a more diverse experience. 53
SITUATION 1: DAILY
Workshop in Borgo Serrucce di Ripoli (Camposaz Associazione Culturale), Bologna
Street installation (Meristem Design) Kirchin Road, W13 0SR, Ealing 54
When talking about how to use the small voids, we refer to the cases of one type of wooden landscape module. As shown in the case, local residents and tourists could participate in the production of modules in the workshop. This workshop activities is also one of our intervention that will be mentioned at the next page. To respect the local culture, the landscape module will be made from local material such as recycled wood and carparo. People can gather together and exchange their point of view on local history and culture with each other during the normal days. Such projects will become a link between local residents and visitors. The completed modules can also be combined together in a lot of way so that making the space more flexible. Actually, CittĂ Vecchia has a low degree of greening, this construction would increase the greening rate of the city as well.
SITUATION 2: EVENT On the Via Duomo, we met one shop owner who sell self-made shell refrigerator stickers. He collects shell and clay on the local beach, and make every refrigerator sticker by hand. It reminds us of the importance of protecting local crafts. With the industry development, special local products become more and more rare. And souvenirs all look the same. Hence, these small voids are regard as the extension of our workshop space. During the art event, craftsmen can be invited to hold their own workshop and teach the visitors to make their own souvenirs.
Street Vegetation Exhibition(Patrizia Di Monte and Ignacio Grávalos),Zaragoza,Spain
Geronimo’s 7000 Balloons (Geronimo), Melbourne, Australia 55
These small voids can also become a communication space between artists and visitors. In this way, art can really become part of Taranto's life.
INTERVENTIONS 5: ALLEYS
Alley is one of the most important elements in our planning. Firstly, it consists the north-south axes and connect CittĂ Vecchia to the circle around Mare Piccolo. Secondly, it controls the level of privacy in our design. In many Italian cities, large group of tourists break the peaceful daily life for the local citizens. Even though tourism can bring a lot of work positions and financial benefit, people are still influenced by its disadvantage. In our planning, city voids (small or large) service both inhabitants and tourists. However, most of them are hidden and surrounded by buildings, and many of they can only access by alleys. Hence, during normal days, alleys will look like only passages, which will protect citizens' privacy. And only tourists who are really interested in exploring Taranto can find these voids. On the other hand, during the events, alleys can be decorated and function as directors. Even first-time visitors can find the right location. 56
Since alleys are impor tant in adjust the privacy level in our planning, the related art piece should be flexible for removing and change. Hence, we considering about stair painting and hanging art pieces. Some stair painting can be paint on a very thin fabric layer. It does not harm to the old buildings and can be easily removed.
Painted stairs in Armenia Street, Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon
Installation in Old Stone House, Kagkatika for Paxos Contemporary Art Project 57
The above alley is an impor tant one, it connects the ruins entrance to the main axis which cross the whole island. The colorful appearance will help to guide people to come to the central axis.
INTERVENTIONS 6: CROSS RUINS
There are several large group of ruin zones in CittĂ Vecchia, many of the building inside are roofless and even have trees grown inside. It is quite difficult to decide the renovation method for them. It will take a lot of money to repair or even rebuild them. However, its historical value is not as high as many other historic buildings. Furthermore, if we rebuild this area, it seems that we also cover part of the Taranto's history. Hence, we decide not to totally transform the appearance of the ruins. The other reason that we decide to keep the ruins is that there are only few green areas in CittĂ Vecchia. These ruins can provide open space and increase green coverage for the city, which will be more eco-friendly and improve the life quality. 58
Inspired by the trees in the buildings, this kind of odd beauty remind us of one popular entertaining activity in Asia - Jungle Flight. Jungle Flight is quite popular in both China and Thailand. It is not only a healthy exercise method for all ages, but also provides different view for the visitors. In daily life, people can hardly find opportunity to see the forest through tree crown. And it is even more rare for people to experience ruins from above. Some of these buildings can even be transformed into experiencing museum. People can walk and see the old lifestyle inside.
Jungle Flight Zipline in Chiang Mai, Thailand 59
INTERVENTIONS 7: RUIN RENOVATION (RESTAURANT / BAR / PLAZA)
Part of ruins will be used as service function for visitors. According to the existing condition and location of ruins, we will divided these buildings for different design proposal. For ruins that still have supporting structure and complete roof, we will organize interior activities and doing intervention in early stage. The chosen example space is around by other services, next to city and Cross Ruin entrance. The special texture of walls will provide unique experience from Taranto city. 60
We found one interesting case study during the analysis phase. Designer chose not to repair the roofless building and keep this space as the outdoor dining space. The strong contrast between the delicate furniture and the rough walls impressed us a lot. Hence, we think it is possible for us to have additional structure on the ruins which may still have load-bearing ability. We will use steel structure to redefine the space and use glass to show the original texture of existing wall. As for ruins that lack of roof but have walls around it, we can renew it as outdoor dining area similar to the case study. The natural growing plants on ruins could be interesting landscape for the restaurants and bars. All of these natural decay traces will be keep as part of restaurant. The history of Taranto will be read and memorized while people enjoying their time in it.
Colonial House Recovery on 64th Street (Nauzet RodrĂguez), Merida, Mexico
Auditorium in the Church of Saint Francis’ Convent (David Closes), Santpedor, Spain 61
This method can also apply to buildings with different functions, such as the ticket office, cafe, plaza and others.
INTERVENTIONS 8: WATERFRONT (ART INSTALLATIONS)
Near the waterfront, there are several decks floating on the sea. Now, these areas are used as port during the morning fish market. However, after the market, there is only few passages. According to the tutors' information, these decks also need to be renovated since the underwater part is also decaying. This waterfront has a wonderful condition for art pavilion. Firstly, the inner sea is quite peaceful in most of the time. Secondly, the sky, ocean and the sound of the water flowing and hitting the bank is quite an enjoyable experience. Sit next to it will be a good opportunity to encounter the beauty of the nature. Hence, the 8th intervention we choose to use the simplest way to recall people's sensitivity toward the nature. 62
When we considering about the possible ar tists for this intervention, James Turrell immediately jump into our mind. In his Skyspace series, the simplified space enhances human's sensitivity toward the changing of nature. When people sitting around the opening part, the peaceful make the visitor themselves also become part of the exhibition. The other one we like is Christo & Jeanne Claude's work. They also use the simplest way, covering the objects by fabric, to reinforce the outer line of building shape.
Meeting, Skyspaces (James Turrell), MoMA
The Floating Piers (Christo & Jeanne Claude), Lake Iseo, Italy 63
In practical, these art pieces are also suitable for Taranto. The expense is not expensive, and its appearance and operation are usually decaying quickly compared to many other art pieces. And its space is also quite flexible for many kinds of events.
INTERVENTIONS ARRANGEMENT
In conclusion, these interventions are placed based on CittĂ Vecchia's unique situation. The above map illustrates where these interventions will be in our planning. These interventions will be taken step by step, and finally form a residents-friendly and eco-friendly island for Taranto people. 64
VISULIZATION
DUAN MEIJIE 913605 LONG TENG 913456 SHEN XIAOYA 912911 YANG JINGXI 914488 Corso ‘Planning in historical context studio’ Corso di Studi in Architectural design and History Politecnico di Milano, Polo Territoriale di Mantova Proff. Alessandro Balducci e Chiara Geroldi Tutor: Andrea Castellani, Francesco Galli e Maria Estefanía Gioia