Observatory Towers

The modern intervention of the medieval fortress of Roccascalegna is an exploration of the typology of the tower as a long dominant focal point from bygone times and reinterpreting it to the present age. In determining a sensitive building addition, the past must be viewed in context to appropriate a modern intervention that is sympathetic to its present purpose as a building, evoking archetypes and historical symbols to create a contemporary icon. In medieval times, buildings were shaped and molded according to what was necessary for life in the feudal system, which is in the defense of towns and villages. Fine examples are dotted in the country of Italy, and the common theme is one characteristic feature that is visually evident: the overlooking tower of defense of its city or town. The new intervention at Roccascalegna is inspired by these recurring forms from the past for the contemporary present.

Roccascalegna, the ancient medieval fortress was a symbol of defensive dominance through its tower. The Observatory Towers is a continuation of this tradition reinvented to the new age being a modern tower in itself, a symbol for astronomical enjoyment of visitors. The architecture of the observatory tower dwellings are embodied to evoke old, archetypal shapes of medieval towers, complete with merlons from castle battlements in medieval architecture built to a new function not for warfare but for natural light, being skylights with open views to the night sky. To operate in a non-invasive way to the flora of the site, the structure of the architecture is a of lightweight steel frame clad with weathered steel that is elevated from the ground to sit lightly on the land. This strategy minimizes building footprint to preserve site features of vegetation, and as well as easily adapt to the uneven topography.

LOCATION: ITALY
PROJECT DATE: 2016
PROJECT AREA: 1200
STATUS: DESIGN COMPETITION