THE ORTU DUZZI OR THE FISHERMEN FACILITY OF BONIFACIO
The original commission aimed for a fishermen facility made of 20 workshops.
After in-depth analysis of the site its history and the municipality needs; Buzzo Spinelli Architecture proposed to enhance the program by adding a sales area and an urban space.
Following their lead, the general contractor wished to complete this program with an office for the fisherman, another one for the SNSM, and a community hall.
Exchanges of views between both parties gave birth to the final project.
More than just a facility for fishermen, L'Ortu Duzzi project added a new chapter to Bonifacio's story with its material and its endemic gardens.
Named after its location; L'Ortu Duzzi, in Bonifacian “Gardens where the fresh water runs”, is the chosen site for the fishermen to carry on with the tale of their city.
Those gardens with their spring water, ideal for vegetation, reveal a peaceful place to pass on ancestral skills.
Nesting at the foot of a limestone cliff, dreaming of an open space, the fishermen corporation hold decided to dive into the port reminding us that Bonifacio belongs to the sea.
The building moulds the cliff and spreads all along the plot. It embraces the whole area generating an urban project as well as an architectural one.
And because it is standing against the cliff, the fishermen's corporation offers a large esplanade connected to the building itself through designed outdoors areas. In this way, net repairs, auction sales, and fishermen's work occupy the shore bringing back to life these -once wild- practices.
Wrapped by the beautiful mineralogy of the area, the construction is intended to be rough in its context. The choice of the cast concrete carries proudly the scares of the process.
These concrete horizontal imprints, together with the sliding shutters lines echo the limestone strata behind them.
The sunshades made of horizontal wooden slates animate the building's elevation giving a kinetic effect as well as deck look.
A white concrete acroterion stands out from the background creating shadow for the fishermen and reminding the headland of the city.
The first floor is designed like a belvedere where bonifacian plant species take over the terrace creating a charming space for fellowship and sharing.