Design team:
Sergio Bianchi (team leader), Elisabetta Straffi, Giovanna Favilla, Tommaso Fersini, Caterina Finocchi, Stefano Giacchini
Status: Competition, 3rd prize
Competition for the restructurationa the theater “Vittorio Emanuele”in Messina
The intention is to define a signal for the city of Messina, a sign of respect for old times and hope for modern times.
The 1960’s restoration is eliminated.
The 19th century facades, the entrance spaces with their beautiful vaults are kept and restored.
But a new theater rises inside the perimeter of the façade, growing towards the sky and opening towards the city. The ground floor is excavated to enhance the sense of space and to offer new spaces to the public realm. A new urban plaza is added to Messina, and the roof is the theater cavea. Shops, restaurants and leisure are accommodate into the plaza in order to create a live urban space.