Urban traffic creates a system of connections between the city and the sea.
The project site is located at the junction of two major axes: one connecting the train station to the sea and the other, parallel, connecting the seafront and crossing Viale Italia to Piazza Europa.
The project plot, with a radius of 1 km, covers the area between the train station and Calata Paita, where various elements are grafted: squares, avenues, and public spaces.
The urban fabric of La Spezia is structured by a main axis of approximately 2 km, connecting the train station to the sea. This axis anchors the main elements of the context, from the market square to the north to the public gardens, passing through Piazza Giulio Beverini.
The project area is located within the port area and serves as a backdrop to La Spezia’s seafront promenade.
The new building, a 59 x 13.50 meter block with a floor area of 447 square meters, opens onto the promenade and is integrated into a system that will become the new gastronomic district of the port of La Spezia.
Our project is based on a generous public space that expands throughout the day and depending on the day of the week, with the possibility of doubling its surface area thanks to the terrace located above, a true place for rest, meeting, and relaxation.
The building consists of two parts: one rigid and versatile (the block) and the other, more fluid, consisting of a terrace of approximately 360 m² offering views of the port.
The block is divided into three parts: the central and technical part, the heart of the building where the kitchen and service areas are located; the upstream part, which houses the distribution system; and the seaside section, which allows for a more flexible public space.
This space has various configurations. It opens onto the sea and closes in cooler weather, creating maximum transparency thanks to the large bay windows that line the façade.
From the dock, a circulation system leads to the rooftop terrace, which becomes a relaxation area and offers new perspectives and views of the city.