High density residential complex
Ispica (Ragusa)
The Sicilian city of Ispica is placed on the top of a rock hill, Colle Calandra, at an elevation of 107m on sea-level, 7 km away from the sea that is visible from the city. At the bottom of the hill there is Cava Ispica, a valley dug by a stream and 13 km long, area of archaeological interest because inhabited since prehistory to the XIX century. There are many of rock houses, cave art, a catacomb, a necropolis and other remains from the different time periods. The climate is Mediterranean with scarce rainfalls, warm winters and very hot summers, mitigated a little by sea breeze. The mainly rocky territory gave work to the many quarries that have for centuries provided the building materials, as can be seen in churches, public buildings and also in the oldest houses.
The project is part of a series of proposals, requested from the Ispica council, for a new residential neighbourhood facing the valley. For this reason the first concept that directs the project is “the territory and its geography”, with particular attention to the view of the valley. The other concept is the “use of local building materials” for reasons of sustainability and integration of the new buildings within the tradition.
The project is part of a series of proposals, requested from the Ispica council, for a new residential neighbourhood facing the valley. For this reason the first concept that directs the project is “the territory and its geography”, with particular attention to the view of the valley. The other concept is the “use of local building materials” for reasons of sustainability and integration of the new buildings within the tradition.
