A ‘liquid’ Mediterranean Cultural Centre designed by Zaha Hadid Architects will be built on the picturesque Strait of Messina. The metal façade will curl into the fine shapes of the water, and inside visitors will see exhibitions on the history of Reggio di Calabria and the region’s rich flora and fauna. Interestingly, the aluminium panels have been specially arranged to reflect as much sunlight as possible and dissipate heat from the building. The whole project is part of a multi-year project to revitalise the port area of the Calabrian capital.
Gate of empires
For centuries, the Strait of Messina has been the gateway between parts of the Mediterranean – the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea. Already the ancient Greeks considered it an important point on the trade route, although the myth of Scylla and Charybdis certainly did not encourage travellers. After the Greeks came the Romans, then the Byzantines, the Habsburgs, the Bourbons and finally independent Italy. It is this historical and cultural richness that the exhibitions in the new Centre for Mediterranean Culture will present.
As a matter of interest, it is worth mentioning that since Roman times people have wanted to build a crossing over the strait connecting Sicily with the rest of Italy. Looking at a map, a bridge in such a place would seem obvious. However, due to strong currents (the mythical Scylla and Charybdis), earthquakes, the colossal cost and the desire to protect local biodiversity, this idea has not yet been realised.
For fauna and flora
The lump is shaped like a floating starfish. Four aluminium arms conceal four courtyards and the entire building covers an area of 24,000 square metres. Interestingly, the architects carried out a simulation according to which they designed the courtyards accordingly, so that the lump protects them from the direct sun and the sea wind. The blazing sun of southern Italy forced the architects to effectively dissipate heat from the building. For this reason, the façade consists of lightweight aluminium panels that reflect the sun’s rays both from above and from the sea reflecting the heat in its sheet.
The interior of the ‘starfish’ also refers to the nearby strait. The long wavy lines of the ceiling are reminiscent of the movements of the water, and the characteristic white colour of the interior is inspired by the shade of coral. It is worth noting that the strait creates specific conditions for plants and animals to thrive, making the Reggio di Calabria area home to species familiar from the Atlantic. This unique relationship of the strait is celebrated in the form of a large hall filled with aquariums. Inside, there will also be a bookshop and a restaurant with a bar offering views of the harbour.
The architects’ interesting ideas do not just end with the reflective façade. An analysis of the local conditions made it possible to design appropriate natural ventilation systems. What’s more, some of the materials were sourced from local suppliers, which will reduce transport costs and the carbon footprint. The nearby greenery was designed with similar consideration. The maquis, ubiquitous in Mediterranean countries, also grows in the park along the water. The shrubs are adapted to the strong sun of the South, so their water requirements are relatively low. For all this, rainwater is routed through suitable irrigation channels to the green areas.
For the next generation
The designers at Zaha Hadid Architects want to create a building that is functional and relevant to its history and surroundings, and that will serve its residents for years to come. Intelligent systems and ingenious architectural solutions will save on ventilation, air conditioning and water consumption costs. The Mediterranean Cultural Centre will become, in a way, a tribute to the diverse history and nature of the Strait of Messina. In turn, the stunning sea views are sure to attract tourists. The whole project began with a 2007 competition, but the funds needed for construction were only approved in 2021. Construction began recently, spearheaded by the mayor of Reggio Calabria and one of the directors of Zaha Hadid Architects, Filippo Innocenti.
Visualisation source: Zaha Hadid Architects, Night Nurse
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