Typology

Landscape

Location

Historic center, Melfi (Potenza), Italy

Year

May 2025 – currently in progress

Client

Municipality of Melfi (Potenza), Italy

Cost

654.000,00€

Builded surface

6.753,41sqm

Total surface

20.721,76sqm

Services rendered

Technical and economic feasibility study, client in rtp

CASTLE

Regeneration and safety measures for the tower along the ancient walls

As part of the project to enhance the route along the historic walls of Melfi, a disused tower located near the fortress is to be renovated. The project involves transforming the tower into a panoramic terrace, accessible to the public, with the aim of creating a privileged resting and observation point overlooking the surrounding landscape. The work will be carried out in accordance with the existing architectural and material characteristics, through the inclusion of reversible elements compatible with the historical context. At the same time, a discreet safety railing in harmony with the environment will be installed along the path adjacent to the walls, in order to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors without compromising the landscape and monumental view.

Area: Open-air theater

On the right side of the fortress, a small open-air amphitheater has been designed as a multifunctional space for cultural events, performances, rest stops, and socializing. The area is equipped with an illuminated square and stone seats, arranged on staggered levels that recall the typical conformation of historic amphitheaters, reinterpreted in a contemporary key. The intervention integrates organically and non-invasively with the main path along the walls, enhancing the relationship between architecture, landscape, and public use. The materials used and the solutions adopted respect the historical and environmental context, while ensuring accessibility, safety, and comfort for visitors.

PARKING/PARK

Development and expansion of the existing park

The expansion of the urban park in the municipality of Melfi involves the creation of new paths and avenues that connect with those already present in the existing park, in order to ensure a smooth and coherent connection between the two areas. The layout of the new paths will be designed to follow the morphology of the terrain and enhance the views of the historic walls, maintaining formal consistency in terms of materials, widths, and types of paving. The integration of street furniture—such as benches, lighting, bins, and signage—will follow the same design language as the existing area, reinforcing the park’s identity as a unified and continuous system. This will promote the harmonious use of the spaces, reinforcing the perception of the park as a single landscape and functional organism.

Fitness area

As part of the expansion of the urban park along the ancient walls of the municipality of Melfi, an outdoor fitness area is planned, designed to promote the physical well-being of citizens and enhance an active lifestyle in harmony with the historic landscape. The area will be equipped with calisthenics equipment made of durable and weather-resistant materials, suitable for users of all ages. There will be exercise trails, exercise benches, wall bars, rings, and pull-up bars, with appropriate signage illustrating correct and safe use. The addition of the fitness area, close to the ancient walls, represents an opportunity to combine sport, health, and cultural heritage, enhancing a public green space as a meeting and socializing point.

Multifunctional furniture

As part of the project to expand the urban park in the municipality of Melfi, there are plans to install picnic tables and multifunctional furniture designed for outdoor educational activities. These elements, made of resistant and sustainable materials, will be located in shaded and easily accessible areas, blending harmoniously with the landscape and the existing path system. The aim is to encourage socialization, recreation, and learning in a natural and historical setting, making the park a lively and inclusive place for families, schools, and visitors of all ages.

STARTING POINT

Flat park area

The heart of the park is a flat area, designed as the functional and symbolic centrepiece of the project. This space has a dual function: on the one hand, it serves as a hub and passageway to the scenic route along the historic walls; on the other, it is designed as a place for the local community to rest, meet and socialise. The area is equipped with traditional street furniture, such as benches, litter bins and integrated lighting, alongside more striking and distinctive features. These include the architectural portals inserted along the stairways, which mark the passage and create visual vistas, and the dividing panels which, in addition to delimiting functional spaces, contribute to the definition of a welcoming and articulated environment. This open yet well-defined space is designed to host daily activities, informal events and moments of sharing, becoming a new focal point in the life of the neighbourhood.

Access Via Fosso

Access to the park is via the existing historic ramp, which is enhanced and maintained in the redevelopment project. A galvanised steel safety railing is to be installed along the entire length of the ramp, ensuring accessibility and protection. The opening in the perimeter wall, which already exists, is being enlarged to improve usability and adapt it to new access requirements. From the ramp, it is also possible to directly access a terraced area in a panoramic position, which in the redevelopment project is intended as an outdoor event space. This area will be equipped to host outdoor events. The ramp also provides direct access to a terraced area in a panoramic position, which in the redevelopment project will be used as an outdoor events space. This area will be equipped to host cultural activities, meetings and public initiatives, becoming a meeting point within the park.

Slope management

The area in question has significant differences in elevation, currently managed informally through small terraces, spontaneous vegetable gardens, rudimentary steps and handmade constructions. The redevelopment project involves a comprehensive clean-up of the area, with the removal of incongruous elements and the restoration of the morphological profile through localised earth filling where necessary. The new configuration introduces a vertical circulation system consisting of a staircase with several flights, integrated into the landscape and designed to ensure a safe and functional connection between the different levels. The first flight, at the base, is monumental in character, with a width of approximately 5.5 metres, serving as an entrance and representative element. The next three flights, with a constant width of 2 metres, adapt to the morphology of the terrain, facilitating access to the upper area in a harmonious and orderly manner.