OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
The competition played with the theme of a ‘Solar Highway’, re-using sections of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway soon to be decommissioned by the Italian Highways Authority. The redevelopment of the viaduct section of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria highway was carefully considered by the architects for each of its components in order to best integrate the project with the site’s potential. The fundamental question posed by the competition is that of the readaptation of such sites and the possibilities of atypical redevelopment socially, culturally and economically for the region.
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
Project Description from the Architects:
Every consideration on viaduct redevelopment must start with particular attention to the largest sense of its context1 as well as its components, both visible and invisible.It is of course essential to consider the site’ potential in order to integrate the project within its landscape; furthermore, to gain a deep understanding of every single component representing the milieu2, appears as a fundamental task for the development of such a project.
We also have to be aware of the current international climate that goes far beyond the Calabre region, as it can influence, and maybe even develop the local scale of the project.
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
These Viaducts can either be adapted to integrate in the continuity of Calabre’s common society (agriculture?), or on the other hand, they can give a push of motivation for new possibilities that such an atypical redevelopment offers to the region.
It is this second option that we have intended to develop.
Our choices have been carefully considered in order to develop a pragmatic answer and propose a rich, efficient and feasible scenario.
This project is indeed ambitious as well as audacious in both its program and architectural form.
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
The aim of the ‘pile & deck’ structure is to span as far as possible by using as few material as possible. The result is a limited impact upon the landscape where it sets relative to the dimensions of the project.
The site where those bridges are located has also some inherent qualities. The Tyrrhenian see can be perfectly observed and the landscape reviles a natural context carefully preserved. Indeed the site benefits of a complete disconnection from any human intervention apart from the high lines.
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Image © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
In addition the presence of ‘Bergamots’ shows also some interesting particularities. Almost 95% of the world’s Bergamots production comes from Calabre. As this fragile vegetable need some very specific weather conditions to grow (need of air humidity and exigency on much reduced temperature span), the climate of the Calabre region appears as one of the most stables in the world.
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
Bergamot:
Probably originating in the East, the bergamot is a Calabrian adoption. Introduced in Europe, according to some by the crusaders, to others by Christophe Columbus who brought it from the Canary islands, it spreads out since then in the south of Italy. This delicate plant needs a very moderate climate. Calabria is the perfect place for its growth as it is one of the most moderate places of the world, ranging between 13° and 39°. This a rare citrus fruit whose scientific name is «citrus bergamia risso», (or auruntium), of the botanical family of the “rutacee”, a fruit similar to an orange. The bergamot tree is mainly cultivated in Calabria (95% of the worldwide production) where the quality of the oil is known as the best in the world, and marginally cultivated in Ivory coast, Morocco and Portugal. |
Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
Its context seems ideal to draw the attention of North European retirees who, like the so called “North American Snowbirds”, once retired decide to migrate voluntarily to other countries where they can find a better quality of life. With this new touristic infatuation, the European offer for such specific places has difficulties to follow. Calabre region seems completely predisposed to draw the attention of this migratory flow.
The redevelopment of the sites’ viaducts appears as the perfect opportunity to develop the right infrastructure for the accommodation of this new kind of migration.
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
It is then a matter of developing a specific typology that will enhance the residential aspects such as leisure and health centres. It is also necessary to take advantage of all the forces of the site in order to develop an innovative and environmental project.
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Perspective--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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program--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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Axonometry--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
The term snowbird was already employed around 1925 in South America to designate t he inhabitants of the northern regions who migrated to avoid the winter. But it seems that the label was spread, particularly in the field of tourism. Towards the end of the 1970’s the term was mostly used to designate the Canadians coming to spend the winter in Florida. This illustrated employment, which concerns the familiar language, is consigned today in the English, American, and Canadian dictionaries.
The viaducts’ morphology and especially its piles inspired us to develop vertical villages. The deck therefore should be reinforced by a display of commercial spaces, equipments, medical centres and leisure spaces.
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diagram--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
Consequently we intend to reinforce the viaduct’ existing architectural form in order to keep the impact upon the landscape itself to minimum. This project aims to participate to the evolution of the original viaducts in order to consolidate their original identity.
The project will appear as a contemporary archaeological contribution discordant with its double; it will wrap around the existing one and restructures it in order to give it a new breath.
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step 1--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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step 2--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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step 3--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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step 4--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
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step 5--drawing © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect + Samuel Nageotte Click above image to view slideshow |
SCHEDULE / COSTS
a) Project developmentArchitectural studies, structural studies
b) Construction
First phase: 2011 / Preparation
(10 %)
- Infrastructure restoration
- Deck reparation
- Structural Diagnostic
(20 %)
- Road Transformation
- Columns and foundations reinforcement
- Seaside Decks Landscape constrcution
- Artistical interventions.
(30 %)
- Networks Installation (electrical and sanitary)
- Geothermal power plant
e) Fourth phase: 2013-2015 - Programatic structure creation
(30 %)
f) Fifth phase: 2015-2025 / Colonization
(10 % + Private Investment)
- Housing development
- Commercial development
- Public Facility development.
The people
Architects: OFF Architecture + PR ArchitectLocation: Calabria, Italy
Images: © Courtesy of OFF Architecture + PR Architect
