Citta’ Collina (City Hill)

Cover - project sketch.

Project details

• Project Name: Citta' Collina (City Hill)
• Location of Site: Bra (Cn) Italy
• Design Team: Boda' (Federico Bertoli, Daniel Antonini) + Paolo Casalis
• Project Type: Architecture - International Ideas Competition - Winner
• Client: Comune Di Bra (Municipality Of Bra)

Project Sheet nr.1 - plans and sections - scale 1:500.

Words from the architect

Ideas competition: project of an new fair area in Bra (CN), Italy - PROJECT WINNER

The architects were asked to project a complex of commercial areas, public and media spaces.

The place is on old commercial area outside the city area, which is going to be demolished.

Project Sheet nr.1 - plans and sections - scale 1:20.

Nowadays this area hosts the main local market (fruits and vegetables market) and some fair events, like Cheese (international cheese fair).

The new building or complex has to maintain these functions, but also to host some little shops, a media library, a cafe and restaurant.

The project is based on the link and integration between building and nature. The site is at the base of a hill.

Project Sheet nr.1 - 3d views.

We've decided to co penetrate building and the hill, thus hiding part of the building and achieving a better environmental impact. Another principle is the decision not to build a huge, massive multifunctional building, but to split it into different units, thus, reducing its impact and also its energy consumption. In fact, the different areas and functions can be "opened" only when necessary, otherwise they can remain shut.

3d view 1: view from square.

The entire building has a structure of armed concrete, with an external skin of stone panels.

This skin reflects local architecture and materials: its color and texture is the same of the main baroque buildings of Bra, and also the same of its natural earth, with a dominance of red color.

3d view 2: general view.

At the centre of the complex there are two big pavilions, dedicated to commercial functions ( fairs/expo / local market). On their left side, near the main entrance to the city garden, there are some little shop and the main reception of the complex. On the other side, towards the "Langhe" and "Roero" hills, two higher buildings like medieval castles, host the mediatheque and bar-cafeteria.

3d view 3: view from square.

3d view 4: internal views.

Credits

• Text and images courtesy of Boda' (Federico Bertoli, Daniel Antonini) + Paolo Casalis