Reuse the Therme

The restoration of accessibility to the thermal baths in Curinga for visitors constitutes the central focus of our project. Our plan envisions making the ruins accessible via a carefully designed stone path that harmonizes with the topography, the historical openings of the thermal baths, and the natural variations in elevation. The new path through the ruins is consistently separated from the existing structure by a gap and does not, under any circumstances, touch the historic walls. This design decision allows visitors to gain an authentic impression of how guests experienced the ancient thermal baths many millennia ago. Two main entrances guide visitors into the ruins. Both paths converge at the center, the heart of the thermal baths, where a specially crafted platform provides visitors with a comprehensive view of the ruins.

To protect the thermal baths from the effects of weather and prevent further decay, the ruins will be covered by a glass roof. This roof is supported by columns that mirror the dimensions of the ancient baths. The construction, consisting of steel and glass, imparts a light and transparent appearance to the structure, creating an intriguing contrast with the ancient ruins. To enhance the historical ambiance, transparent textile curtains will be suspended from the roof structure. These curtains enclose the space, establish harmonious proportions, and provide visitors with a pleasant sensation in this historically significant environment.

In the pursuit of rain protection without sacrificing the exploration of the ruins in natural daylight, the roofing structure has been designed. Through the integration of advanced materials and architectural ingenuity, the new canopy serves as a shielding barrier against inclement weather, allowing visitors to engage with the historical site without disruption. This careful balance not only enhances the structure's practical functionality but also underscores a commitment to creating an environment where the elements harmonize, providing a weather-resistant space for the immersive exploration and appreciation of the archaeological marvels beneath.

The incorporation of a lightweight steel structure not only imparts a modern touch but also endows the new roof with a gracefully airy aesthetic. This design choice goes beyond mere functionality, elevating the visual appeal of the structure and creating a sense of openness. The delicate balance achieved through the use of steel not only ensures structural integrity but also introduces an element of architectural finesse, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience by seamlessly blending functionality with a light and contemporary design.

White transparent curtains, like delicate whispers of time, envelop the main sections of the Roman Thermae, skillfully defining its former volume while preserving an open spatial ambiance. These ethereal drapes, dancing with grace, gracefully trace the contours of the ancient structure, offering a nuanced exploration of history. Their translucent presence not only honors the architectural integrity of the Thermae but also introduces a touch of contemporary elegance, creating a captivating synthesis of antiquity and modern design.

Carefully chosen, the grid pattern of the elegant steel columns is a testament to thoughtful design, ensuring the new structure gracefully integrates without imposing upon the sanctity of the Thermae remains. With strategic placement, these columns serve both functional and symbolic purposes, embodying a commitment to architectural preservation that seamlessly merges the old and the new. This delicate dance between historical reverence and modern ingenuity exemplifies a harmonious coexistence, where the past is honored, and the present is embraced.

A gracefully elevated path winds through the captivating ruins, leading to a frigidarium where a grand platform awaits. This platform, once the heart of activity, now stands as a testament to history, inviting closer inspection and intimate art exhibitions. As visitors explore this lifted path, they are immersed in a unique convergence of past and present, where the echoes of ancient times harmonize with the potential for contemporary artistic expression.

https://www.reuseitaly.com/competitions/reuse-the-thermae/