Mixed-Use Development along the Ronco River

architectural design, construction documents and supervision: Roberto Pasini, Andrea Ranieri / masterplan and preliminary concept: Roberto Pasini (head architect), Davide Canali, Andrea Ranieri / graphics: AUS Pasini Ranieri, Pamela Casali, Martina D’Alessandro / photos: Roberto Pasini, Jean-Paul Maltoni Fotobahn / Forlì, 2007/11 --- The site is a vacant area in the outskirts of the town on the bank of the Ronco River, elongated from the Via Emilia and a secondary road providing motorized access. A series of irregular sheds stand in disarray along the sides. The design is threefold, with the buildings located in between two green buffer zones: on one end a large park in front of the busy Via Emilia and on the other a parking area, properly shaded with trees. Walkways, bike-paths and seating areas are channeled in between the 260 ft long curved arcades of a three story building, with shops at the ground level and residential units above, and the regular series of four smaller blocks facing it. Provided with a line of trees and two micro-squares at the two ends, it functions as a vital spine conveying all the urban activity.