Piscina Mirabilis is an alteration project that provide a unique opportunity to respondto key environmental, social and architectural questions of our time. Theexisting building fabric that we inherit is one of resources, perhaps even themost important resource we have got for the transformation of our cities today.The unnoticed water cathedral in the bowels of the earth is yet another exampleof how refurbishment and the industrial history did not play a significant rolein transformation of cities for decades.
By studying theinterior of this underground temple, we concluded the space is breath-takingand unique in its own essence and any other physical substance would ruin itsperception and experience. The vast empty space of hypostyle hall also providesthe needed flexibility and allows the various forms of modern art to bepresented.
However, instead offictional reconstruction to the nostalgic state, we suggest the gradualdetection of its original use and revealing the history not only of thebuilding but its whole area, including the exploration of long forgotten termof Roman reservoir.
By proposing thethin water surface above the exhibitionhall, we offer the visitor to experience the space as it was intended whileenjoying the constantly changing play of water and light as one of thepermanent artworks. The significant height of the room allows us to look atother art pieces without any distractions.
To provide the fullexperience of water element, the proposal introduces the passage, a new public bridge that penetrates the space in itscross section above the water surface. By making the passage publicly availableduring daytime, the Piscina Mirabilis becomes more present in daily movementsof inhabitants of Bacoli and at the same time serves as a first insight intothe "filled reservoir" and an invitation to continue with theexploration.
The additionalprogram of the gallery, consisting of reception, café, conference hall andfacilities, is situated on the roof top. It gives a new life to nowadays anunused space and serves as an entrance hall for the exhibition space. The new extension is embodied into a simple rectangular shape,following the rhythm of existing building elements. The flexible open spaceallows to accommodate various kinds of events and expand its activities intothe new roof square. The facade of the extension is a combination of glassopenings, expanded metal and greenery that will eventually take over thefacade.
Part of the newextension is also the viewing tower.An iconic "eye about the complex" creates a possibility to explorethe reservoir from another perspective. It provides a stunning view over thesurrounding Lake Miseno and could visually connect all the other remains ofwater cisterns and aqueduct in the area.
The existing holes inthe roof are preserved in their current shapes as an integral part of thereservoir's history and the new Mirabilispublic square. By covering them with the recessed glass, they offer yetanother interaction between different levels of the complex.
The elevated plaza further extends the gallery's exhibition space andactivities of café and conference hall. When the square is not used for the artpurposes, it could be activated by the cooling water jets recessed in thefloor.
The existingentrance to the underworld gallery is transformed into the open entrance patio with a new widestaircase leading to the rooftop. The surrounding streets are treated as onecontinuous surface. That enhances the perception of the complex as one unityand emphasizes its entrances and public use. The streets with shared traffictransform the routes for the vehicles into a calmer multifunctional spacethoughtful to pedestrians.
The existing seriesof voids in the north-west portion of reservoir is a continuation of the entrancepatio. The space of vaulted chambers relates to the roof square through thepassage and the new spiral staircase that leads to the café and viewing tower.Thanks to the calmer traffic ot could serve as a satellite bar where the visitors can enjoy the glass of wine inthe shade of vaults, surrounded by an antient reticulated brickwork. The partcan be dedicated to permanent exhibition capturing the history of the complex.
With a strategy of forming a new unity where newvolumes and functions merge with the existing, the proposal is aspiring torevive the heydays of reservoir while preserving the traces of time that isembedded in the building. The new Piscina Mirabilis has a potential to becomethe beating heart of the city; a place where the art and the history meet andcreate a new identity reaching out beyond the confines of its walls.