TORRE RINALDA

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The design aims to interpretate the original shape in a playful way, while respecting the history of the place. It maintains the lasting parts of the tower and adds carefully elements to create a new purpose for the tower. In any way, the design shows that the massive ruin can be the base to create new qualities for public life.

The proposal envisions a ground floor with historic information that can be visited any time. The first floor is characterised as „the Hall“ with the remodelled arched ceiling and welcome desk. The following floors provide space for exhibitions. Reaching the top floor, the visitors find themselves on a platform with a stunning 360-degree view around the coastline.

The new design mainly consists of a light timber construction. It can be pre-fabricated and installed efficiently on site.  Due to the characteristics of timber buildings, the extension can be executed as long-time addition or as temporary intervention with a deconstruction after a specific time.

One special focus is on the meeting points between old and new. The design uses reed on the timber construction as a soft material that gently adapts to the shape of the hard stone ruin. This way, the continuation of the shape is possible seamlessly, while generating a clear line between existing and addition. Furthermore, reed is a natural and sustainable material, has a historic background along coastlines and works perfectly together with the timber construction.

The higher levels have a light translucent appeal. Here, the timber construction has trapezoid panels made from recycled polycarbonate.

︎ WORK