ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER(S)
ReUse Italy Architecture Competition
Torre Rinalda, Lecce, Italy
https://www.reuseitaly.com/
Team: Dezire Tilinger, Bogdan Đokić, Jelena Šćekić
Torre Rinalda, Lecce, Italy
https://www.reuseitaly.com/
Team: Dezire Tilinger, Bogdan Đokić, Jelena Šćekić
As Torre Rinalda is seen as an integral part of the system of observation towers, with untapped potential for forming a cultural route that would represent a kind of journey through the history of the Lecce region and its rich heritage, the starting point for the project was based on identifying a common thread among the tower system - something that could work as a link between them, but also be applied to all the individual towers no matter the state they are in.
The common thread was recognised, firstly, in the previous function of the tower system - a linked sighting and warning system, and secondly, in the way the warning system itself used to work - by sending smoke signals by day and lighting fires by night. The next step lies in the translation of the recognised function and communication system into their contemporary versions: the sighting is presented as a viewing platform, while the former warning symbols of smoke and fire are interpreted as vapour and light.
The watchtower concept, therefore, symbolically revives the former function of observation towers enabling their mutual visibility and highlighting their functional connection. However, unlike the former symbols of danger, the reinterpreted smoke and fire are indicators of weather changes where water vapour shows the wind direction and speed and subtle changes in the colour of light hint at sunny or rainy sea days. The light and vapour system is imagined to be solar-powered and placed differently within the individual towers depending on the condition of deterioration they are in: standing alone and symbolically marking their place if the tower is completely in ruin and integrated into the newly added tower construction where it is possible to attain the original volume.
The architectural treatment of Torre Rinalda consists of adding a new construction system that mimics the original volume of the tower without damaging the existing remains. The ground acts as an entry space with an exhibition about the tower and tower system. From there, it is possible to reach the viewing deck either by a small hydraulic platform or by a series of stairs, newly added ones where needed and existing ones where possible. The end of the vertical movement through Torre Rinalda is a platform which allows beautiful views of the sea horizon and other observation towers in the region, symbolically hinting at the continuation of the life of Torre Rinalda.
The architectural treatment of Torre Rinalda consists of adding a new construction system that mimics the original volume of the tower without damaging the existing remains. The ground acts as an entry space with an exhibition about the tower and tower system. From there, it is possible to reach the viewing deck either by a small hydraulic platform or by a series of stairs, newly added ones where needed and existing ones where possible. The end of the vertical movement through Torre Rinalda is a platform which allows beautiful views of the sea horizon and other observation towers in the region, symbolically hinting at the continuation of the life of Torre Rinalda.
