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The third scale of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is an architectural archetype, that is defined over time by crossing two distant scales:
the territory and the building. At the territorial scale it marks its presence through its height, colors and
light. At the architectural level, it is a structure, the apotheosis of a column, which carries the light to
the sky, whose interior is converted in a shelter for the lighthouse watcher.
Unfortunately, in the clash of these distant domains, the intermediate scale, that relates to the direct
context of the building is missing. This is why the cylindrical shape of the lighthouse presents a certain
indifference to the site. This omission is the reason why the relationship between structure, light and
space seems immutable.
Thus in order to investigate a new typology of the lighthouse, it is necessary to question the
architectural object, defined by the fixed relationship structure/light/space. That can be achieved by
introducing the third scale, that of the physical context and memory.
The dispersed lighthouse.
To introduce the intermediate scale, the lighthouse structure is “dispersed” on the slope. The
relationship between the physical context and the project is then established through the distance
between the vertical elements. As the ground subsides, they become gradually longer, thus to prevent
the buckling, the structure has to be densified. Consequently the structural density becomes a reading
instrument for the topographic complexity of the site.
Between the pillars, there is a suspended, wheelchair-accessible, footbridge, drawn as extensions of
existing trails, offering a new perspective on the landscape. It transforms the old introverted lighthouse
concept into a public space that democratizes its experience. Finally, thanks to the air walkway, the
general transparency and structural lightness, the design borrows from the lighthouse-archetype its
ability to connect elements of air, land and sea.
From lighthouse to lightscape.
To maintain stability, the pillars are systematically interconnected with horizontal panels that light up
during the night and create a dense, luminous cloud. This way, unlike the traditional lighthouse, a
harmony between light and structure is established, so that they become inseparable.
Since this new lightscape seems chaotic, it evokes the image of a city by night, emphasizing the public
nature of the space. Moreover, the new design is inspired by the day/night antinomy typical of the
traditional lighthouse. During the day its striped shadow passes through the landscape as if it was
“scanning” it, while during the night the perception of the lightscape changes according to the viewers
position.
Finally, since all of these horizontal panels (1000 m2) have integrated photovoltaic cells, the
lightscape becomes a seamlessly integrated, completely sustainable, layer of the landscape.
The memory catalyst.
Most importantly the new design is an active tribute to the disaster of the Costa Concordia.
While its overall shape points to the place of the tragedy, it also acts like a curtain thrown over the gap
between the displaced cruise ship and the coast. The walkway allows everyone to approach the heart
of the drama, capturing the delicate relation between feeling threatened and being safe. As the visitor
moves forward, the structure becomes denser making the experience more intense and intimate.
Upon reaching the end s/he is fully confronted with the all-embracing sea, a place suspended between
history and present.
On the other side, the footbridge bifurcates and defines a green plaza, protected from the sun and
illuminated at night. This calm, public space is designed for the people of Giglio Porto, so that instead
of musealising the memory of the accident, it becomes embedded into the daily lives and space of the
island’s inhabitants.