Italian Science & Techonology Park by Chapman Taylor
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Press Release Feb 2008
Chapman Taylor wins international competition for Italian regeneration project to create new landmark hi-tech centre
A striking design concept by international architects Chapman Taylor and Claudio Lucchin & Archittetti Associati (CL&AA) has been chosen as the future look to regenerate a key part of Bolzano city in northern Italy.
At the core of the design are two iconic elegant black structures – a carbon-fibre ‘craft’ hovering over street level, and a 50-metre high tower symbolising a U-shaped magnet suspended over water.
The new design will transform a five-hectare site in south Bolzano, previously used for aluminium and magnesium production, into a centre for innovative hi-tech research companies where more than 1,500 people will be based.
Chapman Taylor Architetti in Milan and CL&AA, together with Mauro Dell’Orco & Andrea Cattacin based in Bolzano, were selected as the winning designers from ten short-listed practices in an international architectural competition run by the Region of Trentino Alto Adige, beating a number of big names, including Paolo Portoghesi, Vittorio Gregotti, Volkwin Marg, KJETIL Thorsen, F.J. Van Dongen and CIE.
Gianfranco Lizzul, Managing Director of Chapman Taylor Architetti, says: “This is a very important project for us, as it is envisaged transforming the landscape of the industrial part of Bolzano into a modern and vibrant environment. This landmark development will lead the regeneration of the area, which will become an energetic and creative zone for business and a very attractive area for people to work and live in.”
The north side of the site will feature the futuristic craft structure and will house the Institute for Innovative Technology, as well as private research companies, start-up businesses and a contemporary art gallery. The structure also incorporates internal courtyards and gardens surrounded by fully glazed facades. Shops, restaurants, residential apartments and a small library will also be included on the site.
On the site’s south side, the impressive U-shaped magnet design will contain offices, workshops and underground parking. The external façade will be constructed using alternate strips of carbon fibre and glazing, while a ‘water-piazza’ will act as a focal point.
Sustainable elements of the design include solar PV roofing, which is expected to generate a substantial part of the centre’s electricity needs. Great use will also be made of Balzano’s local material manufacturers and suppliers to help reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
The work will commence on site in spring 2008.
This is the latest major project for Chapman Taylor in Italy, which has led several high-profile developments in the country, as well as internationally including the Zeus Office Park in Fiumicino, Rome, and the Coop’s Shopping Centers in Florence and recently completed Ohene Ejan Sports stadium in Accra, Ghana.
Bolzano Science & Techonology Park : Chapman Taylor Architects
Italian Architecture
Bolzano Science & Techonology Park - Project Team:
Partner in charge: John Oldridge - Chapman Taylor LLP
Design Architects: Alessandro Stroligo – Chapman Taylor Architetti
Claudio Lucchin – Claudio Lucchin & Architetti Associati
Mauro Dell’Orco & Andrea Cattacin
Team members: Angelo Rinaldo, Michela Balestrini, Alessandra Fella, Andrea Zanarella
Model maker: Franco Quaglietta
Renders: Matteo Tanzi, Marco Ferrarin
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