ReUse Italy 2023 7th Edition
NGO: REUSE ITALY
Proponent: The Municipality of Curinga (Comune di Curinga)
Location: Curinga, Italy
Reuse the Thermae
"Protect and Musealize the Roman Thermal Bath of Curinga"
The Terme Romane Di Curinga stands out as one of the important sites in Calabria during the first and early centuries, functioning as a place for socialization and relaxation, as well as venue where possible political and strategic decisions unfolded, distinguishes itself as an ancient hub for cultural exchange marking the area of stability and the enduring influence of Rome. Its profound importance is attributed to the Empire's extensive reach through the major road arteries of Via Popilia, strategically linking the site and the region to Rome's cultural and political influence, highlighting the enduring impact of Southern Italy's historical fabric.Now occupying a quieter space in history, the Thermal Baths was once an honest beacon of significance, embodying a poignant representation of its lasting legacy amidst constant changes and phases, assuming its place among the country's archaeological treasures. However, it now lies abandoned in the outskirts of Acconia, vulnerable and exposed. This stark reality, arises the need to protect, interpret and disseminate this high cultural value. The exceptional state of conservation and the research potential they preserve within the ruins makes this one of the significant sites in southern Italy.
Informed by its current state and rich historical tapestry woven of the region, the project seeks to fortify the essence of Terme Romane. Acknowledging the challenges posed by its vulnerability and its opportunity to bring cultural and educational value to the community, the musealization project of the Thermal Baths intends to propose an adaptive reuse scheme that embrace the notion of sheltering pride and memory, which aims to preserve the authentic essence of the site while providing a shelter that not only safeguards but also celebrates its historical importance both the physical and socio-cultural aspects of the thermal complex.
Beyond preservation and architectural significance, this project strives for deeper community integration, transforming the museum space into a social hub for shared experiences reintegrating the thermal complex into the fabric of the present community. The provision of community spaces through social pits and multifunctional spaces fosters dialogue and cultural exchange, nurturing connection within the local community promoting cultural engagement, and community development. Envisioning this project as more than a mere repository, this community centric design encourages participation and engagement from the local populace of the area, echoing back to its original purpose, portraying the living testament of Terme Romane's enduring legacy.
Nestled at the serene borders of the eastern side of Acconia, the proposed open volume of Terme Romane stands as an architectural testament of juxtaposition and openness, that seamlessly integrated into the expansive and picturesque orchard landscape. The structure's horizontal form and chainmail mesh that undulates, not only shelters the site but serves as a scenic narrative that mirrors the vast sky and the rhythmic waves of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian. This design gesture fosters a harmonious connection with the surrounding environment, creating an inviting space that encourages contemplation and dialogue between the built, the ruins, and nature. The leveled volume relative to the slightly sloping terrain creates a lip that opens to the western and southern side revealing thermal complex and serving as a barrier free access point to the site. Furthermore, to ensure the preservation of the integrity of the archaeological site, the structure covers the entire excavation, protecting the substructure from monthly rains. Additionally, the chainmail mesh veil shields the site from lateral external forces while allowing the interior to breathe and have proper ventilation.
Inside, the presentation of Terme Romane necessitates a departure from conventional museum compositional rules, as this ruins seamlessly interacts with the museum structure. this symbiotic relationship serves as the foundation for an nuanced architectural intervention. Embracing the ruins as both exhibited object and dynamic backdrop, transcending the physicality of the historical site, immortalizing its temporal and historical value. This approach becomes the canvas for a comprehensive educational and interpretive programming that unfolds within the space. The light steel-framed walls, clad in stainless steel, provides both structural support and educational value, acting as carriers of educational content through interpretive informations. The thematic route, delineated by the corten steel path along the excavation profiles, guide visitors on a curated journey through the physical, socio-cultural, and historical layers, unveiling stories in a multifaceted ecosystem of interpretation: eye level, contemplative, up-close immersion, planimetric. The goal is to create a dynamic, informative space fostering deep understanding of Terme Romane's historical significance through varied modes of interaction and observation. This integrated educational route orchestrates a cohesive narrative and a comprehensive experience rooted in the thematic elements of archaeological materials.
