Punta Vagno! was developed by Kriti Bhavesh Nirmal, Maddalena Caviglia, Noé Guérin, Sophie Köcher-Schulz, Maria Augusta Kroetz, Étienne Lajoie-Asselin, Joshua Mingers, Marta Pianta, with the support of trainers from the Vienna University of Economics and Business, the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, the University of Genoa and ALDA, during the Green Skills for Cities project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.
Introduction
Genoa (Genova) is a renowned port city and the capital of Liguria, a region in northwest Italy. With its rich history in maritime trade, Genoa has played a central role for centuries. Our site, Punta Vango, is located in the Foce area near the main thoroughfare, Corso Italia, which connects Genoa to other cities. Situated along the picturesque Mediterranean Sea, the site offers breathtaking panoramic views and a range of activities, including the popular skate park.
Stakeholder Analysis
The site encompasses a school and is surrounded by various restaurants and clubs. The school is an active stakeholder, with children utilizing the play area and mini-football court during their free time. Skaters frequenting the skatepark are another important stakeholder group. Additionally, the local residents in the vicinity of the site are regular users. Other stakeholders include the beach cleaning association and fishing communities, who contribute significantly to the area.
Objectives
The project’s design principles are derived from the Genoa 2050 Action Plan for Lighthouse Cities. These principles involve reintroducing native species to rewild the area, enhancing livability for both animals and humans. The aim is to unlock the recreational and economic potential of this unique coastal location, while fostering social cohesion through the creation of multi-functional spaces.
Design Strategy
The primary objective of the project proposal is to revitalize Punta Vagno Park, transforming it into a place where people of all generations can engage in various activities and social gatherings. The abandoned building within the park will be repurposed as a community center, offering services tailored to diverse age groups. A key element of the project is a large, open flexible space that can accommodate a wide range of events without disrupting the rest of the park. The skatepark and playground will be retained, as they are actively used and meet the existing demand. Various green strategies will also be implemented, and the axonometric views illustrate some potential uses for the large flexible spaces, including economically viable options such as a public market or fundraising events.
Catalogue of Interventions
The nature-based solutions (NBS) incorporated in the Punta Vagno regeneration project in Genoa. The NBS interventions aim to address pressing global challenges while promoting sustainable development within the urban context. The selected NBS for this project include urban gardens, tree groups, smart roofs, green façades, retention/detention ponds, rain gardens, permeable paving systems, biofilters for water purification, and free-standing living walls. To visually represent the relationship between each nature-based solution and the planetary challenges addressed in the Punta Vagno regeneration project, a Sankey diagram is utilized. The technical requirements outlined for each NBS are critical in ensuring their successful implementation and functionality in mitigating environmental issues and promoting sustainability.
The selection of plant species is based on the specific characteristics and purposes of each planned NBS, as well as the environmental conditions at the site. All selected plants are native to the Ligurian region and commonly found in various Mediterranean habitats, including maquis, grassland, and woodlands. Given the presence of a sewage treatment plant near Punta Vagno, the only viable green strategy involves a hanging green system due to limited soil availability. Furthermore, the proximity to the sea results in high air salinity, which affects soil salt concentration. Therefore, plant selection was guided by substrate thickness and salinity tolerance, with all identified species being herbaceous or shrubby plants adapted to these environmental conditions or capable of withstanding such stresses.
Phasing & Funding
During construction, our focus is completing the multi-usage space for cultural and economic activities. We’ll collaborate with cultural centers, host exhibitions, and invite local producers to sell their products. The on-site restaurant will partner with us for special events. In later phases, schools will visit for educational activities, the cultural center will offer workshops on local plants, and the skateboarding community will enjoy the park. Our goal is to establish Punta Vagno as an arts and community hub.
Through active involvement and collaboration with stakeholders, our goal is to establish Punta Vagno as a vibrant meeting point in the city, fostering a sense of identity and community. The project will be financed through a Blended Finance model, with EU grants being the primary source of investment, aligning with environmental and city planning goals.
