The project is an opportunity to better develop a coexisting relationship between contemporary architecture and landscapes.
The site of the competition is in the Lagoon of Orbetello in Tuscany, Italy. The two main features that architects should include in their proposals are Observation Points and a Visitors’ Centre.
Observation Points
The proposal should include the design of three different types of Observation Points dedicated to the view of the lagoon by both professionals and visitors; such points shall be designed to be duplicated and situated in different areas of the oasis.
The on-the-ground Observation Point, the “Watch Hut”, and the structure should be located at ground level; it has to be a one floor element and to host a maximum of 10 people at a time to rest and observe. Moreover, it should include one or more sighting windows at visitors’ eye level, at 1.6 m height from the ground.
The raised Observation point, the “Watchtower”, will house a maximum of two people above ground floors, seven metres in overall height. The structure shall enable the observation of a maximum five people at a time on each floor. The Observation Points shall include one or more sighting windows at visitors’ eye level, at 1.6 m height from the ground.
The Observation Point at water level; such a structure can either be floating, and therefore moving, or fixed. It shall ensure the observation of the lagoon from the level of the water. This is the least traditional typology since the height of the observation window shall be maximum 30cm above ground. Consequently, the structure can either be situated at ground level, so that visitors can lie down, or below ground level, so that visitors can enjoy the view from the window by sitting or even standing. The structure shall be properly water proofed and enable the observation of maximum five people at a time.
Visitors’ Centre
This structure should be positioned backwards from the Observation Points, and provide a series of services for the visitors. It will not be as immersed in wildlife like the Observation points. However, the visitors’ centre shall be closely connected with the landscape in order to seize the rarer, yet possible, observation opportunities provided by the surrounding nature.
The centre should include a Reception and, or Ticket Office which will be the access place to the oasis. Also a Training Centre to host meetings and training sessions as well as a Bookshop, selling typical products about the local environment, along with naturalist publications and, or WWF’s merchandising.
Additionally an Exhibition Space to host temporary events and describe the story and, or features of the oasis, and finally a Guest House and Restaurant where visitors will have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of Maremma while surrounded by the beauty of one the first WWF’s oases.
Key dates:
Standard registration closes, 9 May 2021 (11:59pm GMT)
Late registration opens, 10 May 2021
Late registration closes, 6 June 2021 (11:59pm GMT)
Material submission deadline, 9 June 2021 (12pm GMT)
Jury summoning, 14 June 2021
Results announced 19 July 2021
Jurors:
Simon Frommenwiler, HHF
Patrick Lüth, Snøhetta
Giulio Rigoni, BIG Bjarke Ingels Group
Kazuyo Sejima, SANAA
Mariana de Delás, Mariana de Delás
Fulco Pratesi, WWF Italia
Renato Grimaldi, Ministero dell’Ambiente
Gilda Ruberti, Regione Toscana
Marco Cattaneo, National Geographic Italia
Nicola Scaranaro, FOSTER + PARTNERS
Carlo Alessandro Puri Negri, BLUE SGR
Raulino Silva, Raulino Silva Arquitectos
Sou Fujimoto, Sou Fujimoto Architects
Prizes:
First prize, €8.000
Second prize, €4.000
Third prize, €2.000
Gold mention €500
10 Honourable mentions
30 Finalists
To register, or for more information on the competition brief, please click here.