SAVING VILLA CLEMENTE

Built around the second half of 19th century according to the Gothic Revival style, Villa Clemente was one of the first buildings of Roseto degli Abruzzi city. 

   Partially demolished by a builder illegally, then it was purchased by the Roseto degli Abruzzi's City hall in 80's, which left Villa Clemente in a state of degradation and neglect till now.

   Inspired by the thoeries about the Ruinis of authors such are Ruskin, Simmel, Goethe and by the works of more contemporary Architects, such the "Alterazioni Video" group, the aim of the design is that of recovery the Villa following three specifics points:

1) Respecting the historic value of the villa and playing with the ruinous charm created around it by the years;

2) following the urban features of the city;

3) trying to meet the needs of the citizens of Roseto.

   So, a logn and grueling research work was made for finding out the history of the Villa, which was unknown and lost.

   Meanwhile, we walked across the road of Roseto city with a simple smartphone, interviewing the citizen of the place and asking them what was their point of view about the city and the Villa. 

   For these reason, the design provides to strengthen the walls of the Villa, to restore the tower located on the North side of the building and to create a steel and glass made parasite body inside that is the empty body of the Villa nowadays, So to keep the original profiles intact and leave unchanged the ruinous charm created over the years.

    So the tower will be for the services and offices for the villa and on the top floor there will be a café / restaurant, while the parasite body will be a multifunctional space (theater, art gallery, exhibition hall ...).

   Further, in the underground floor of the villa will be realized a second exhibition hall that will host the permanent collection of works of art.

   The plantations born spontaneously during the years will be cured and left intact, thus contributing to keeping the ruinistic charm unchanged.

   During the night, on the elevations of the villa will be screened games of light, which can be old photo and video of the city, as well as special effects, which arouse the mystery aura that already wafts on Villa Clemente.

  Outside the garden there will be an open-air theater and paths and games for children, while the perimeter walls will be decorated with street art works.

The funds for the realization of this Design will be collected by the application of the "Art Bonus" law.