ricardo bofill taller de arquitectura: the crescent, salerno, italy

the ‘sail’ and ‘crescent’ development by ricardo bofill taller de arquitectura all images courtesy ricardo bofill taller de arquitectura

two miles of waterfront, from liberty square to piazza della concordia, are the subject of the ambitious rehabilitation project already initiated in part by the municipality of salerno, italy. apart from the development of the seaport designed by zaha hadid, and the new tourist port of marina di arechi that involves santiago calatrava, the transformation also includes the renovation of the two squares that surround the two miles of waterfront to be tapped: liberty square and piazza of concord. both designed by ricardo bofill, the two squares will host a ‘crescent’ and a ‘sail’.

the ‘sail’ hotel

spanish firm ricardo bofill taller de arquitectura has proposed ‘the crescent’ a new building for the great waterfront area between the beach of santa teresa and the molo manfredi in salerno. the crescent shaped complex consists of two buildings and an arched portico with a total of 49,500 square meters. the portico, built on two levels is intended entirely for commercial activities. the further five floors will house office space and residential. there will also be 90 thousand square meters of underground parking, a plaza monumental amphitheater of about 30 thousand square meters, an archive of contemporary architecture, a covered area for events, and a boardwalk, with shops, bars and restaurants.

‘the crescent’

with a height of about 24 meters and a diameter of 155 feet, the crescent has aroused some controversy, dividing people, technicians and entrepreneurs. particularly enthusiastic about the project mayor de luca, who appreciates the grandeur of the work ‘not only for its quality urban design and economic, but also because it will change the destiny of salerno becoming a major tourist attraction, cultural and leisure.’

‘the crescent’

the ‘sail’ towards the sea, which stands 120 meters high, together with the whole crescent of the piazza della libertà revolutionize the city’s promenade. the design refers to the hotel without much doubt bofill has designed sail for barcelona. inside will be also offices, shops and tourist services and an underground car park can accommodate up to 1000 cars.

the waterfront development

the extensive redevelopment work will cost around 220 million euros, of which 70 are only for sailing. the project is due to be complete by the end of 2012.

model of ‘the crescent’

model of ‘the crescent’

Save