Latina’s Soaring Gardens
The past industrial century left many buildings, which nowadays lost their function. However, most of them can be used for other purposes. The premises of the old factories are being transformed into fine arts galleries, concert halls or ballrooms. In Europe, the decommissioned old harbors and cargo ports are being converted into rather expensive residential and office complexes with stunning sea views.
The skylines of modern cities are not much beautified by such structures as water towers, chimneys or thermoelectric plant. Recently, the architects have turned their attention to these industrial-era buildings, trying to give them an aesthetic appeal and to breathe a new life into them. Wilmotte Foundation held a competition for rehabilitatrion of abandoned water tower in the small town of Latina in central Italy, which was erected in 1970s. It is not yet clear if any of the prize-winning projects would be implemented, but it is actually the most interesting initiative. Now, we are presenting the Le Chateau dans le Ciel design developed by French studio RAMDAM Atelier d’Architecture, which won the third prize.
Le Chateau dans le Ciel
Location: Latina, Italy
Program: Rehabilitation of a Water Tower – Water Consciousness Trail & Offices
Client: Wilmotte Foundation & City of Latina
Status: Concept Proposal – Third Prize
Site size: 9300 m2
Building area: 3000 m2
Full version you can download here
Ramdam Atelier d’Architecture