Borgo Termetrio

In the heart of the Apulia region, the easternmost tip of Italy, lies a place of astonishing biodiversity, the plateau of the "Itria Valley". It is a place where local communities have a deep affinity with the eartha place where the inhabitants have always sought a way to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystem of their region. In order to support this tradition in line with current development needs for sustainable tourism, the local government organised an ideas competition for the redevelopment of the "Masseria Termetrio"A splendid historical structure, a national cultural asset, located in the south-east of the Plateau, consisting of buildings built at different times, of different types of construction and use, articulated around a common courtyard.
Having to face urgent interventions to respond to the continuous changes, it is now clear that we need to invent new ways of living, of being in the world, of experimenting, of thinking of concrete and proactive alternatives for our territories, our cities, mending the relationships between humans and non-humans, living and non-living that make up the morphological fabric of our planet. Our answer to this challenging question is the "Laboratory for rural research and sociality"a real laboratory in which to experiment and implement innovative ideas, the meeting point between two apparently opposing visions, the "conserve'. and the 'innovate".
From this vision a new settlement is generated, with a strong identity and a clear cultural, social and communicative vocation from the exceptional values inherent in the site: 'Borgo Termetrio', a unique opportunity to recover, share and enhance its beauty and extraordinary potential.
A place that allows multiple experiences, collective or individual, in a contemplative and intimate way. Spaces where you can let yourself go and enjoy intense sensory experiences, where you can discover, learn, share and be moved.
Our design proposal for this competition focuses on the preservation and development of the territory, introducing three fundamental concepts: landscape, art and architecture.
The specially coined term Land-Ar(t)chitecture to conceptually identify our proposal clearly defines the design intent to integrate into the place and to connect it culturally, functionally and scenically. These concepts intertwine and integrate to create a unified and coherent design vision that preserves, interprets and re-evaluates the existing natural and cultural environment.
The first concept, landscapeis the basis on which our proposal is developed. The importance of preserving the natural beauty and unique character of the original landscape is considered a priority. Instead of altering its configuration, our intervention is based on introducing elements that respect and complement what exists. The topography is carefully emphasised, punctually modelled and used to provide new uses, creating functional and usable spaces for visitors, while at the same time representing a base, a 'podium' on which the existing buildings stand emphasised.
The second concept, artplays a crucial role in our proposal. We see the site as an open-air museum, where the landscape becomes a living canvas for artistic expression. The new artefacts, complementary works to the buildings, constructed mainly with simple Corten steel elements of versatile and flexible use with different accessory functions, are presented as installations with low environmental and visual impact. The dismountable and/or recyclable elements also serve to create and characterise paths, accesses, information signs and architectural components, such as horizontal and vertical connections, in order to guarantee the fruition of the places to all visitors, creating a socially inclusive place.
The third concept, architectureThe main focus is on the recovery and rehabilitation of existing historical buildings through restoration and refunctionalisation, enhancing the historical and cultural value of the buildings.
The inclusion of new functional and complementary spaces (conference and training rooms, exhibition halls, co-working, restaurant, etc.) concealed under a roof-garden, are configured as asubterranean architecture already widely present in the local tradition, going unnoticed by visitors entering the Borgo and manifesting itself from the space/enclosure used for open-air activities, the 'Cavea Termetrio', presenting itself as an architecture integrated and dissolved in the landscape, silent. Through this synergy between landscape, art and architecture, a unique space is created that enhances and promotes culture, tradition and local identity, while offering new and memorable experiences.