Illumination

Unbuilt

Illumination – A Post Quake Vision

Italy has been experiencing a delicate situation regarding historical memory preservation, in which such precious heritage is constantly put under harming risk. On one hand both protection and preservation cover a pivotal role; on the other hand national legislation is becoming more and more entangled by complex and articulated rules. As a matter of fact, inner cities belonging to small-medium Italian municipalities are currently stating a slow and relentless depopulation. On the night of the 20th of May 2012 an earthquake shook the middle-northern part of Italy, razing hundreds  ancient buildings and transforming many inner cities in abandoned ruins. This proposal incorporates the revitalizing the area with new tech of nanotechnology to bring new energy with younger population into the city.

The science of nanotechnology can be interpreted as natural systems that are assisted by mechanical means top stabilize a process at a molecular level. The systems of the building are the mechanical means in which the life of the building (the program) is assisted. During a seismic event the dampeners absorb the movement of the earth. The floating steel frame disconnects the building from the ground, and provides safety and rigidity. The glass ductwork carries air in and out of the building. All of these systems are then illuminated through natural or artificial means to signify their importance.

Plan concept: Organized on the principle that the isolated equipment is the nucleus, and the labs orbit around as though they are electrons.

Colonnade of Light: The main road is oriented in the northeast direction, aligning with the setting sun on the summer solstice. This is most likely a celebration in design related to the agricultural history of the town. During this time of the summer, the sun aligns with the interior light apertures of the building and project a colonnade of light if the area that once was the arcade, the identity of the historic fabric of the roman town. It is this development of significance through illumination that carries throughout the design.