Urban
regeneration of
VITTORIO VENETO
square
Status
Ideas competition - 2nd prize
Year
2025
Location
Lavagna (GE), ITALY
Client
Comune di Lavagna
Partner
Verdintrecci - architettura e paesaggio
Area
7000 smq
The Administration's objective was to acquire design proposals capable of restoring value - specifically in terms of public image - to one of the city's squares, which currently lacks identity and is used merely as a car park.
This area was envisioned to become a true hub of urban life, taking several key aspects into account:
- the concept had to be innovative while remaining respectful of the local context and historical character of the square, thereby enhancing its features and creating a harmonious bond between past and present.
- the space needed to be suitable for socialization across all user types, accommodating local commercial activities (including the weekly market) and various entertainment events (such as the famous medieval reenactment of the "Torta dei Fieschi", held annually on August 14th)
-ensuring the necessary vehicular access for residents and local businesses
To complete the intervention, the brief included the renovation of a small building located on the south side. This restructuring aims to create a pathway toward the secondary Giovanni Falcone plaza (likewise deserted and anonymous), reclaiming the space and ideally connecting it to the main square to form a single, unified urban environment.
A NEW
urban identity
TRANSFORMING
LIMITATIONS INTO
opportunities
Among the Client's many requirements was the consideration of an underground parking alternative to the surface lot, aiming to render the square fully pedestrianized. However, this solution is currently incompatible with existing urban planning regulations.
It was clear, therefore, that maintaining a portion of the square for parking was still highly desirable. To address this request, we chose to transform an apparent constraint into a key strength by developing a "2-in-1" design solution:
1- Solution 1: All existing surface parking spaces are retained, harmoniously integrating them into a new layout composed of green islands and social gathering spaces.
Within the project, these stalls serve another crucial function: they act as designated areas for the weekly market stalls. This setup ensures that a portion of the square always remains open, leaving the central pathway and various public spaces entirely unobstructed.
2 - Solution 2: This alternative introduces two access ramps (one from Via Cavour and one from Via Matteotti) and one exit ramp (onto Corso Cavour), positioned exactly where the surface parking lots were located in the first scenario. Consequently, the overall layout of the square remains virtually unchanged—a crucial factor should the project be implemented in subsequent phases.
The result is a single, interchangeable design solution tailored to evolving needs. This approach optimizes construction timelines while safeguarding the financial investment.
FROM PARKING
AREA TO A
place for everyone
The final result is a new "urban lounge" characterized by a central, wave-like pathway that will become the definitive landmark of Vittorio Veneto square. This element establishes a seamless continuity between Via Matteotti and Via Roma, stitching together two previously disconnected parts of the city. It will also serve as the dedicated route for the historic "Torta dei Fieschi" procession, leading directly to the central stage.
Special attention was dedicated to the existing war memorial, currently enclosed by a basic lawn. The project brings it back to center stage, surrounding it with a new cobblestone pavement and enhancing its presence through recessed ground spotlights.
The vegetation has been curated with particular care to create a type of urban forest, featuring typical Mediterranean flora with aromatic foliage and soft colors. This setup offers a direct sensory experience that enhances the psycho-physical well-being of the citizens.
An underground rainwater harvesting system channels stormwater run-off into a retention tank designed to manage sudden, high-volume weather events. This water reserve is thus transformed into a valuable resource for the efficient irrigation of all the green areas. Additionally, new street furniture and a modernized lighting system will be integrated throughout.
To complete the intervention, the building on the south side of the square will be renovated and transformed into a "covered square": the existing ground-floor commercial premises will be relocated to a planned upper-floor extension of the adjacent building volume.
Giovanni Falcone plaza will evolve into a new recreational and sports area, creating an intergenerational space where children can play, adults can exercise, and seniors can socialize or cultivate urban allotments. The decision to place these activities in this specific square stems from the desire to offer an "intimate and protected" space for more vulnerable groups, safely removed from vehicular traffic and the bustling activity of the main square.
