projects | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

a focal point on the beach, a meeting place, a restaurant, a bar, a centre of attention: this is touch. it is an architectural structure which has given pride of place to a modern stylistic solution, with great attention to detail and to features both aesthetic and functional. it is organised in two zones: on the one hand a space welcoming, elegant, and inviting; on the other hand a meeting place versatile and adaptable to various requirements. its architectural design is the fruit of a careful study of the location, inspired by willingness to adapt to the characteristics of a site shaped by the effects of the sea on the sand, by the precariously balanced strip of land which calls to mind a ribbon curling in on itself, a foreign body like a fallen petal on an earthly dimension wishing to receive new experiences and new cultures. the search for space makes for a stimulating and very elegant setting, evidently planned to adapt to various functions at different times of day, to different kinds of clients, and to distant views: the sea on one side and an ancient olive tree on the other. the atmosphere here is strongly shaped by the interruptions between man-made space and surrounding nature: broad views, a large window looking to the horizon, roofing in wood which recalls the natural materials of the flooring. the building is supported on a wooden base separating it from the beach: this is a raft, a necessary distinction, not a separation from the surroundings, for here we have a luminous and original marriage of parlour and sea. by day, in sunlight, the glass windows reflect water, sky, and trees: the architectural organism blends and vanishes into the atmosphere of place. by night it becomes a huge, brightly luminous object, a presence which is imposing but does not violate the surroundings. the lighting has been studied so as to integrate all these design features: accentuate the versatility of the environment, conform, draw the gaze from the landscape to the building, create intimate spaces, enhance the relationship between architectural space and nature. the cubo doccia placed outside lighting the path and enhancing the light of the moon reflected in the sea is an instance of this way of interpreting lighting design in a seaside setting created to exist primarily in natural daylight, but which must be able also to relate to the darkness of night-time. the building also alters both disposition and appearance with the changing seasons: in summer it is open to the beach and becomes an extension of the bathing establishment, while in winter it takes on a more intimate, sophisticated nature; the cyclical appearance of the building, its changing image which follows the changing of the seasons, recall that singular characteristic, temporary and ephemeral, traditionally associated with seaside architecture.