Urban Renovation / A3+ Architects

A3+ Architects recently finished an urban renovation project in Marsala, Italy for an international competition.  The project is situated in Porta Nuova, where the historical center of the city is connected to the sea by an urban road and an archeological park.

More images and more about the project after the break.

A3+ Architects designed a series of “green blocks” (light steel structures covered by green ivy plants) that connect the new part of the square with the old town.  Inspired by the shape of the existing urban blocks, these green structures provide a gathering area beneath the entanglement of veins that crawl over the whole form. Perforations in the green blocks allow users to see a different green texture that covers the rest of the building.  These voids also allow light to fill the interiors.

“We think  it’s a mimetic architecture, of which is never the same, fostered by constant  change according to seasons,” explained the architects. “The pillars are tilted, just like forest trees. The green is used as a link between the old town and the new project, thanks to the presence of an archaeological park,” they added.

The second part of the project is a promenade located along the city’s waterfront.  Two large urban swimming pools offer users a relaxing area to swim that is in close proximity to the sea.

A3+ Architects

Dario Cottone

Marzia Casamento

Alessandro Fonte

Design Consultant Carolin Clauss