Palermo, Italy
The Port of Palermo is undergoing a rapid transformation, evolving from an industrial hub to a vibrant tourist destination that seamlessly integrates itself with the city through a lively waterfront.
This transformation necessitates a versatile expansion of the cruise terminal, intended to handle the luggage lay down requirements during the morning, while also providing a new space for events and temporary exhibitions during the evening. A meticulous examination of the cruise schedule allowed this dual-purpose utilization to promote both economic and social sustainability.
Situated at the tip of Vittorio Veneto pier, the pavilion serves as the initial point of contact for incoming vessels and the first landmark encountered by those entering the city from the sea. Its architectural design draws inspiration from the dynamic forces of the ocean, the rhythmic patterns of the wind, and the intricate geometry of sails, masts, and cranes. This unique structure stands as a striking new landmark, overlooking the sea.
The building’s form consists of a transparent modular volume, surmounted by a gracefully arched roof.This roof is supported by an array of slender vertical columns, defining external pathways and creating a portico that acts as a buffer between the exterior and interior spaces. The roof extends the existing Stazione Marittima portico’s reference point, gracefully curving upwards towards the sea, providing an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Palermo Gulf and transforming the structure into a contemporary lighthouse.
The facades are also differentiated by variations in material textures and patterns, reducing visual monotony and enhancing the interaction between material and environment, stimulating an emotional and sensory connection with the surroundings.The project’s urban fabric organization is deliberately varied and aims to reinterpret the complexity and density of consolidated urban structures. It seeks to promote physical and visual proximity between different functions – residential, commercial, recreational – thus facilitating the creation of a cohesive and resilient community.Each residential block is designed with a classic structure comprising a porticoed base, a central body articulated in “C” or “L” shapes, and a crowning section, distinguished by specific facade treatments and color variations, inspired by Bologna’s multifaceted historical city center, with particular emphasis on shades of ochre, red, and yellow.
Client:
AdSP Port Authority
Location:
Palermo (IT)
Size:
2.300 sqm
Program:
Transport
Status:
In Design
Year:
2022
Visual: Walter Vecchio
Project Team:
a-fact architecture factory (Parallel Collective) GreenCure, PrP, Francesco Bartolomei, GaE Engineering
