A Roman ancient market’s storage place has been transformed into a modern work space.
The project’s purpose is to create a strong contrast between the ancient existing structure and the new interior architecture.
The difference between the two functions (storage space during the past centuries and creative space today) has suggested two parallel design approaches: on one hand the intention of preserving the original building’s characteristics and, on the other hand, the need of inserting new and recognisable elements.
The high vaulted brick ceiling (previousely covered by plaster) has been restored in order to underline the existing ancient structural features. The preserved open space creates wide and interesting perspectives, while underlining the perception of the continuing space.
The only new volume (containing the restroom and the kitchen corner) is conceived as an indipendent element that lies on the floor without compromising the existing structure.
A brushed iron stair leads to an upper level: the relax area. The stair is kept 4cm away from the wall, in order to underline its architectural presence by placing a green neon light underneeth it.
The restroom is extreemely essential: square lines cross in a pure white color space. The small kitchen corner is completely hidden from the rest of the space.
Materials are simple and basic: resins for the floor, grey cement (covered by a shining transparent resin veneering) for the new partitions, white plaster for the existing walls.
Strong colors (green and black) are used to emphasize the existing structure’s neutral tones.
