Architects: Studio Manfroni & Associati
Location: La Spezia, Italy
Architect In Charge: Mario Manfroni, Patrizia Burlando, Danilo Sergiampietri, Daniela Cappelletti
Project Year: 2012
Photographs: Roberto Buratta

Project Area: 6,750 sqm
Structural Engineering: Exa engineering srl, La Spezia, Italy

The project involves the construction of a new tertiary pole through the urban reorganization of sub-district 8 in the former IP refinery in the north-east of La Spezia.

The main project target is to reuse the non-permeable area, preserving the green frame behind it: the new building is localized in the existing parking area.

The four storey building is characterized by a double-facing and take a soft and tapered shape emphasized by the evident bevel angles. It consists of a basement and ground floor where you can watch free pillars supporting the upper floors closed in a more compact volume.

On the ground floor there are areas with independent access, while the areas for tertiary use are on the upper floors.

Externally, the project has a horizontal partition of the facades showing further the string courses.

Within the string courses, which correspond to the three upper floors of the building, the ratio between full and empty (cladding panels and windows) can change over time according to the needs of interior spaces, without affecting the general balance of the whole facade surface.

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

© Roberto Buratta

Plan 01

Plan 02

Plan 03

Plan 04

Details 01

Details 02

Section 01

Elevation 01