The reinterpretation of a symbol
Torre Rinalda Redevelopment
Competition: Design
Torre Rinalda Redevelopment
Lecce (IT)
2023
The Torre Rinalda reuse project stems from the desire to enhance its pre-existing state of conservation, establishing a dialogue with a contemporary construction system. The project preserves the tower's monolithic appearance, making it recognizable even from the sea, while emphasizing its historical stratification through an architectural language that distinguishes the eras.
The structural issues encountered in the southern corner were resolved by rebuilding the masonry, subsequently re-clad in white lime, using traditional local techniques. This compositional gesture establishes a solid foundation upon which the new architectural elements are grafted, restoring the tower's aesthetic and functional configuration.
The spontaneous greenery, which grew during the period of abandonment, is integrated and redeveloped to harmonize with the surrounding natural context, giving the space a renewed identity and seamless continuity with the landscape.
The visitor experience is central: the tower, once closed to public access, is transformed into a place to explore, where glimpses of the sea and land, framed by existing openings, create unique sensations. Ivy planters, equipped with integrated lighting, enhance the atmosphere, inducing a contemplative pause.
The layout of the rest areas is designed to offer views of both the interior and the exterior landscape, while the integration of perforated Corten panels contributes to the revitalization of the site. In the evening, the movement of visitors generates a dynamic lighting effect, evoking the reflection of the waves. Beyond their aesthetic value, these panels regulate the internal microclimate, mitigating wind and solar radiation, thus ensuring a balance between the preservation of historical heritage and technological innovation.















