l a n d s c a p e a r c h i t e c t u r e p o r t f o l i o
FORTE SPERONE
Genova, Italy
study abroad studio / year 4 / spring 2012
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Named the European Capital of Culture in 2004, the city of Genova has a rich history reflected by its many historical buildings and sites. The center of the city revolves around the port, a hub for diverse economic trade and transportation.
Forte Sperone, one of the city’s main historical elements, is removed from the urban context overlooking the city from a high elevation. While it maintains its architectural and military history, its location outside of the city presents a unique opportunity to bring the city into its surrounding natural context.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
In this project, the port played a significant role in the redesign of the fort. Water served as the main element creating an overall connection back into the entry plaza through various connected water features throughout the fort. The entry plaza takes on similar characteristics of the port, its form reiterating the piers.
Introducing a gallery space into the fort as well as open event space create opportunities for the culture of Genova within the fort. At the same time, the fort’s natural setting will be capitalized on with the introduction of greenhouses for plant production for the city and passive outdoor recreation.
MATERIALS + VEGETATION
To build upon the existing nature of the fort, greenhouses are incorporated as a means to produce vegetation that can be sold for profit and integrated back into the city, bringing the natural context of the fort back to the city.