Revitalisation of a town square. Mag.Ma in Badalucco.

Piazza Matteotti in Badalucco (IM) is a long, narrow surface with a slight slope dominated by two rows of tall buildings. The highway running through the valley defines the “fourth side” of the square, breaking up its almost rectangular form and opening it up to the river and the mountains on its opposite bank.

The elevation of the two main façades cast on the ground like a shadow enlivens the surface of the square, producing a grid of signs on the ground which is reflected in the projects. The idea gives the project its name: la Craquelure.

The flowerbeds, negative impressions of an ideal horizontal plane in contrast with the slope of the square, reveal the thickness of what is normally perceived as a simple surface, while the chair elements emerge from the lines of construction of the project.

Little olive trees – the dominant species characterising the local landscape – emerge from the cracks in the pavement of the square, a reference to local traditions.

The result, seeking revitalisation of the place without too heavy an impact on the town’s budget, uses simple design and inexpensive materials such as decoloured tar which reveals the colour and grain of the inert materials used and is resistant, long-lasting and suitable for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as concrete, natural iron and loose inert materials. This contemporary square fulfils its ancient vocation as a meeting-place for the town.

Design: mag.MA architetture, http://www.mag-ma.it
Location: Badalucco (IM), Italy
Client: Badalucco municipal government
Photo credits: 

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