Luigi Ferrario – Gaggiano between two bridges

PROJECT: Luigi Ferrario – Gaggiano between two bridges

LOCATION: Gaggiano, Italy 45°24'23.423" N - 9°1'59.954" E

YEAR: 2003

ARCHITECT / FIRM: Luigi Ferrario

BUYER: Municipality of Gaggiano

SURFACE: 6.000 sqm

PRICE: € 800.000

DESCRIPTION:
The environmental setting of Gaggiano (Milan), lying between two bridges and extending over both banks of the Naviglio Grande, is so unique and important as to be considered a homegeneous territorial area which for its historical, architectural and cultural aspects is especially suited to integrate the objectives of the strategic projects established by the program for upgrading and enhancing the territorial and environmental area of Naviglio Grande. Realization of the upgrading project, had the objective of restoring both banks of the Naviglio Grande by creating pedestrian and limited-traffic zones, safeguarding navigation, and rearranging the area in front of monumental and historic buildings. Since these areas have been designed as spaces for strolling and socializing, plans called for the utilization of both traditional materials and innovative technologies, as well as contemporary elements of street furniture.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The new program is in balance with the existing one.

DESCRIPTION:
The ancient hamlet of Gaggiano, first mentioned in historical documents as early as the 12th century, owes its agricultural and commercial development to the construction of two important regional trade routes: the Vigevanese post road, and the Naviglio Grande canal, which terminated in Gaggiano and for this reason was called “Navigium de Gazano” (it was only extended as far as Milan in 1209). The village grew around the two banks of the canal, crossed by two bridges, giving rise to a unique environment, historically and architectonically uniform, in which several important monuments stand out (the parish church and several noble villas and palaces of the 18th century).

TOTAL REPLACEMENT / DISCONTINUITY: Financing made entirely by an investor other than property.

DESCRIPTION:
Lombardy Region.

- SURFACE present NO VARIATION,

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The overall dimensions are equal to the pre-existing surface.

- VOLUME present NO VARIATION,

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The overall dimensions are equal to the pre-existing volume.

DESCRIPTION:
The project for the redevelopment of the historic centre is founded on the recognition of the central role of the Naviglio.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The new spaces are in balance with respect to the pre- existing spaces.

DESCRIPTION:
It consists of the structural consolidation of the banks, the safeguard of navigation, and the creation of pedestrian and/or limited access areas with the redevelopment of the areas in front of the historical and monumental buildings.

PREVALENT REPLACEMENT / DISCONTINUITY: The supporting structure is predominantly a new structure.

DESCRIPTION:
Having identified the shared features of urban design that link the buildings on the two banks, six parking areas were created using traditional materials.

TOTAL CONSERVATION / CONTINUITY: The materials chosen for the new intervention are similar to the pre-existing ones.

DESCRIPTION:
Traditional materials (stone slab and cobbles for the paving), and innovative technologies (aerated fountains), and new street furniture was designed (horizontal, curved benches, semi-circular bicycle stands, shelters, and waste bins) using a deliberately contemporary language capable at the same time of fitting elegantly into the historic context.

BALANCE BETWEEN CONSERVATION AND REPLACEMENT: The new intervention balances elements of continuity and discontinuity with respect to existing structures.

DESCRIPTION:
The lighting project sets out to enhance the striking beauty of the urban space, creating surprising visual effects, such as the illumination of the clouds of water.