Waterfront di Levante
The Genoa Trade Fair site is one of the most sensitive areas undergoing profound transformation and decommissioning. It is also one of the most fragile stretches of the Genoese coast. Following decades of research and visioning for the Genoa port and waterfront, RPBW was commissioned to recreate a strong and meaningful urbanity for this abandoned site that sits at the boundary of land and sea.
A high-quality urban environment, with generous views of the sea, where people will choose to live, work and visit
Central to the Genoa Waterfront project is a well-considered and generous public realm strategy to transform an abandoned area into a lively new part of the city. The plan includes amenities such as an Urban Park, which directly connects the new neighborhood to the old city. This green stretch of land, which extends into a coastal pedestrian-cycle path, follows the city’s historic walls at a certain point and will travel all the way to the Porto Antico / the Old Port of Genoa. The area will also be landscaped with a careful mix of rocks and Mediterranean scrub plants and trees. The residential buildings offer stunning sea views, and office spaces designed specifically to house startups related to the blue economy, for the preservation and regeneration of the marine environment, are part of the project. Retail facilities and an abundance of space is intended to be full of activity, attracting new and existing local residents as well as people working there.
The project is sustainable and environmentally friendly, leveraging the natural coastal environment for energy and comfort
Renzo Piano Building Workshop have enhanced the quality of the project by decreasing the pre-existing volume by about two-thirds and halving the built up area, leaving an abundance of space to breathe and enjoy the new seafront neighborhood.
The design follows the Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) approach. This energy strategy uses the natural elements of the coast - sea, sun, and wind - favoring renewable energy sources. In keeping with these standards and a familiar Workshop feature, the buildings have transparent, luminous ground floors and large, glass-fronted facades, such as those seen in the residences, making the utmost of the sunlight and views. The roofing is solar paneled and water from the new Port Canal supports the heating and cooling needs of the buildings. Charging stations for land and sea vehicles powered by renewable solar energy will also be installed throughout the site. This holistic approach ensures the project is sustainable and environmentally friendly, leveraging the natural coastal environment for energy and comfort.
As part of the project, a historical sports arena has been carefully restored to its original striking beauty
The Waterfront di Levante is one of the most important urban regeneration projects currently in Italy, and the biggest Genoa has seen for 40 years. A crucial part of the development is the restoration of a 1960s sports arena, characterized by its large oculus made of fiberglass. Originally designed by the Palasport Group (Franco Sironi, Leo Finzi, Remzo Pagani, and Lorenzo Martinoia), it was the first large tensile structure built in Europe. This symbolic building has now been carefully restored, and has already hosted its first event. The new Palasport is a modern, multifunctional facility that spans across three floors and can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. New features include a shopping and food court.
RPBW is also working on the Genoa Tunnel project and the Torre Piloti.
Project Details
Status
Client
CDS Waterfont Genova s.r.l.
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop / OBR, architects
Design Team
L.Priano (partner in charge)
