In the urban context of the outskirts of Bologna, characterized by medium-high population density, the project consists of the urban regeneration as a residential function of a complex of disused buildings belonging to the historical industrial heritage of the early post-war years, including one of the first establishments of the celebrated automobile manufacturer Maserati.
The physiognomy of the principal building, strongly characterized by the organization of the three spans, the patterns of the windows, the single front façade and the presence of other buildings nearby, created a challenge for the project, which reinterpreted the needs of contemporary living and urban generation in a building context strongly conditioned by pre-existing structures.
To ensure ventilation and a correct amount of natural light in the apartments, an internal courtyard was obtained by demolishing a part of the central span and replacing it with a new steel structure, inserted within the two pre-existing spans. Created using materials and colours of local traditions, the new structure offers a contemporary interpretation of the pre-existing façade.
The result is an architectural wing that defines access to the common internal courtyard and the structure of the double condominium staircase and the balconies of the apartments on the upper floors.
The project envisages nine single-room flats, and two with two rooms. Those on the first floor are characterized by volumes shaped according to the pattern of the original roof, which has been demolished and faithfully reconstructed, with a visible wooden structure.

Location
Bologna, Italy

Year
2021

Area
500 sqm

Design team
Luigi Benatti, Martina Iafrate, Sara Stefanati, Massimo Savini, Claudia Pacchiega, Andrea Talevi, Patrizio Chiavarini, Giuseppe Tascione.

Client
Framar srl

Status
Completed

Photo
Fabio Mantovani

Drone Photo
Pietro Benedettini