Rocca del Leone

  • Date: July 2023.
  • Typology: Concorso.
  • Dimension: 3.500m².
  • Location: Perugia, Italy.

Italy, home of theater and amphitheaters, we wanted to start from here to understand the history, not only of the territory, but also of prose and what is its container: architecture. The revisitation of the ennagono as a guideline in the construction of the amphitheater aimed to create a direct connection to the past but also to develop a proposal oriented towards the future. The redesigned area is thus divided into three sectors: that of the theatrical performance, that of the entrance and that of refreshment. In the first area a ring is created, a stage machine, with multiple uses, this solution tends to create a direct connection between the stage and what is found “behind the scenes”. The clear reference is inspired by the origin of the name of Lake Trasimeno, understood as “trans minus vide laco”, meaning “between the mountains you will see the lake”. The architectural solution evokes this sensation: the low basin that houses the stalls is thus connected to the walls which are imagined as the hills that concealed the lake. This scenic experience overturns the mere concept of theater by transforming the walk itself into a theatrical work. The metal ring also has the actual purpose of supporting all the activities that a theater needs in order to function: this simple element is transformed into a stage machine, thus eliminating all the scaffolding necessary to make the theater work, often devoid of planning and left to chance. The work thus designed brings an enhancement of the context through its function, in fact if this were not the case, this element left as an accessory would ruin the precious area.

n. 1- Catwalk view.
n. 2 – Project Axo.

The slight slope and the natural inclination of the land mean that the profile has an inclination of 8% and thus also allows access to people with mobility difficulties. The stands designed to accommodate 1200 people follow the shape of the Roman amphitheater taken as an example but deliberately ovalized so as to fit perfectly into the topography of the land, thus respecting the primordial idea of ​​the layout of the Rocca del Leone which takes on this atypical shape precisely to follow the contour lines of the promontory. A thin stone wall acts as a terrace to make the stands more permeable and reduce the footprint on the ground. The amphitheater is divided into four “Cunei” placed in pairs of 40 and 37 degrees as emerged in the study of the Roman structure.

n. 3 – Roof Plan and context.
n. 4 – Facilities Plan.

Stairs are thus placed for each segment in order to facilitate access to the steps. The “resultant” space between the stands and the current stage, which for technical reasons has been preserved, now houses a small area where chairs can be added to expand the seating or used as a stage for small stage performances. The entrance area retains its natural connotation of “foyer” where the ticket office is located. A structure that takes the shape of the field tents typical of 16th-18th century fortifications will be made of wood and metal so as to require little maintenance and ease of assembly and disassembly.

n. 5 – Night View.
n. 6 – Entrance.

The aforementioned stands, located in front of the main entrance, will provide not only information for the visit but also an access control function. The roofing with a light and easy-to-install structure allows nature to take possession of a human artifice in order to better integrate the project with the existing space. This creates a pergola supported by slender pillars where underneath there is a space for dining and rest where you can shelter from the sun and meditate. The bookstore and neighboring cafés give the user everything they need to experience this convivial or introspective moment as they are equipped with a large bookshop and a catering space.

n. 7 – Section.

The ruins of the church are thus enhanced and used without undergoing any invasive intervention, where a wooden deck envelops part of it and allows for more comfortable use. The area presents itself as a succession of paths and greenery, the plants have been preserved in their current position and enhanced. Overall, an attempt was made to combine the three elements that distinguish the Rocca as much as possible.

n. 8 – Diagrams.

The past, nature and theatre. The added elements integrate perfectly, functioning as a whole and spatially creating a canonical theater immersed in the nature and history of the walls that surround it: the relationship with the lake is enhanced and emphasized, in a perfect and harmonious union. The Rocca del Leone is finally complete with its scenic identity which will allow it to fully exploit its potential as a unique work in the world.

n. 9 – Structure Diagram.