Zaha Hadid Architects recently presented exciting plans for a cultural center in Italy. The visually appealing building has a futuristic appearance and has a shaped aluminum facade that can withstand the local wind conditions. The structure is called the center of Mediterranean culture and is located on the street of Messina in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy.
The exterior of the building consists of a facade that is 90% opaque, made of marine anodized aluminum panels that are durable and resilient and are produced locally, support regional industries and reduce the project's CO2 footprint. This design selection shows a commitment to sustainability and the inclusion of high -quality materials.
Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects
Since the death of his visionary founder, Zaha Hadid Architects has increasingly prioritized the integration of advanced computer modeling techniques. This technological approach enables the company to adapt and curate its designs in order to react to local environmental conditions. Therefore, the unconventional form of the building is a direct reflection of these innovations and seamlessly combines the aesthetic boldness with functional efficiency.
“The modeling of the advanced computer simulation has determined the composition of the building, the architectural volumes between public courtyards, which are protected from the sunlight of one of the southernmost cities in Europe and the strong winds from the north that are just sent in summer,” said the company. “Depending on its orientation, every protected courtyard overlooks the port in the east, the city in the south or leads to the terrace directed to the west with a panoramic view of the straight and Sicily beyond.”
The interior of the building will include an impressive 24,000 square meters (almost 260,000 square foot) with a dynamic, curved layout inspired by the liquid forms of marine life. This design recognizes the Mediterranean sea and aims to highlight the cultural and ecological connections between the local population and this vital water. Among its many characteristics, the interior will accommodate an immersive aquarium, modern conference centers, an auditorium, educational rooms, a thematic bookstore and a restaurant and a bar, each of which contributes to a story that shows the maritime relationship of the region.
The landscape design complements the interior and will be equally significant and contains sixty species of native plants that are arranged to improve local biodiversity and ecological harmony. Sustainable practices are prioritized with the installation of rainwater ingestion systems for irrigation, which shows an engagement for environmental responsibility. These characteristics create a space together that serves practical purposes and at the same time enriches visitor experience with its thematic focus and sustainable initiatives.
The project is currently under construction, although the final date has not yet been announced. This is currently a busy time for Zaha Hadid Architects, and the project will follow some of its recent top-class developments, including a subway station in Saudi Arabia, a research center in Uzbekistan and a striking skyscraper in China.
