Tiarini Building | 2022

Within the inner suburbs of the city, adjacent to the High-Speed Rail station and the People Mover, an urban regeneration project is planned for an existing complex of buildings, involving the partial demolition of the central core and the recovery of certain volumes.

The study began by assessing the state of conservation of the cluster, its potential for use, the preservation level of its components, its maintenance status, and the recovery possibilities, while adapting the buildings to current regulations, particularly regarding energy efficiency. Based on these analyses, specific volumes were identified, and their evaluation guided the definition of the project’s objectives.

The parts to be demolished are highly dated portions that would require demanding structural and energy retrofits, disproportionate to the achievable results. Furthermore, their geometry does not allow for a functional and balanced use. They are also partially built on the property boundary line. The project therefore provides for the reconstruction of these volumes, improving this condition and respecting regulatory distance requirements, thereby leaving more open space around the new building.

The intervention is driven by the objective of high energy efficiency, both for the recovered parts and for the new construction, combined with architectural quality in harmony with the surrounding context.

The new building features a ground floor for commercial activities and 5 upper floors with small-scale housing units (studio apartments), for a total of 40 apartments. The design meets the client’s requirements: small-sized residences that nonetheless offer high comfort, functionality, and a strong focus on sustainability.

The location is strategic, close to the railway station and a ten-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers, making it highly suitable for short-term rentals as well.
Preserving two building bodies on Via Tiarini, together with the volumes along the internal perimeters, allows for the creation of an internal courtyard and the setback of the new building from the street. This reduces noise levels and creates a private space, offering a modern reinterpretation of the traditional urban courtyard.

The ground floor is organized into distinct areas. In the central space, the entrance to the new urban context is established, highlighted by patterned paving, greenery features, and an architectural system reminiscent of a portal with climbing plants.

The new building dialogues with the existing structures by rejecting the previous configuration: shifting from an extended horizontal presence to a volume that is more compact at the base and developed vertically.

Existing mature trees are preserved, and the permeable surface area is increased. There are three plane trees on Via Tiarini and some maples on the right side of the lot. The project guarantees their protection, fully complying with the clearance distances required by the Green Space Regulation (Regolamento del Verde) of the Municipality of Bologna.

On the side opposite Via Tiarini, parking spaces and bicycle racks are provided. The access ramp to the basement level is kept in its current position, with its dimensions adjusted accordingly. The new building includes two underground floors for vehicle parking.

The vertical circulation core, centrally located, includes stairs and an elevator. From the first to the fifth floor, the housing units are located, served by an external gallery/deck access, with private terraces on the opposite side. The floor plans are substantially identical. The exterior cladding unifies the appearance of the building, featuring a modular system of vertical sunshades (brise-soleil) that enhances architectural quality, solar protection, and privacy.

Two existing volumes are regenerated through refurbishment without altering their building envelope, allowing for the creation of an additional 12 apartments, some of which feature private gardens.

Category:Residential TowersYear:2022Location:Bologna, Emilia Romagna, ItalyArchitects:Iosa Ghini Associati srl.Lead Architect: Massimo Iosa Ghini General Contractor:Iosa Ghini Associati srl.Client: PrivatePhotographer: Courtesy of the Architects