bernard tschumi's finalized design for ANIMA cultural center in italy

bernard tschumi’s finalized design for ANIMA cultural center in italy
image © bernard tschumi architects

as progress towards construction recommences on the ‘ANIMA cultural center’, by bernard tschumi architects, a project-specific website has been launched in order to present the undertaking’s history and proceedings. in addition, a video has recently been released, which clarifies the design’s intentions and aspirations. see below for the short film, made by spanish visual artist luis urculo, as well as the images of the finalized scheme.

located in the coastal city of grottammare, ANIMA (arts, nature, ideas, music, action) will be bernard tschumi’s first project in italy. the cultural center aims to offer the piceno region, along the adriatic sea, a public place for collecting and cultivating a wide range of artistic, creative, and productive endeavors. the 10,000 sqm facility will house a mixture of programs accommodating events, exhibitions, and workshops, with a layout organized around a spacious central atrium.

video by luis urculo

from its exterior, the structure is identified as square mass which features four permeable façades of disparate vocabularies. the use of varying languages on each elevation negates the project’s iconicism, while referencing a multiplicity of patterns rather than a singular form. openings in the monolithic façade layer, made of lightly textured concrete, provide entry access and views from the interior.

the main cortile
image © bernard tschumi architects

the ANIMA cultural center’s layout is arranged with four distinct courtyards rotated around a main room. the central space allows for fluid circulation between each zone, complemented by a series of ramps to increase potentials for movement and varied views. a range of programs are located adjacent to the main hall, including labs, offices, a café, and support spaces.

south-east view: at night, integrated lighting illuminates the thickness of the concrete volume
image © bernard tschumi architects

since a presentation of the final design by architect bernard tschumi in rome in february 2014, the project team has been conducting a series of meetings with italian authorities to move toward construction. with a planned groundbreaking by july 2015, the ANIMA cultural center is expected to open its doors in early 2018.

sketch by bernard tschumi depicting the main room and four courtyards
image © bernard tschumi architects

project info:

location: municipality of grottammare
site area: 9,225 sqm
building area: 7,190 sqm
covered area: 6,150 sqm
maximum height: 30 m
design period: 2012-2014
groundbreaking (scheduled): 2015
opening (scheduled): 2018
client: fondazione cassa di risparmio di ascoli piceno
sole project manager: marco marcucci – municipality of grottammare
architect: bernard tschumi – BTA bernard tschumi architects (new york)
general coordinator: alfonso giancotti / studio associato di architettura elia-giancotti (roma)
structural engineer: michele tiberi / CAED international srl (roma)
acoustic, lighting + multimedia system designer: enrico moretti / biobyte srl (milano)
electrical engineer: alessandro federici / studio tecnico ing. alessandro federici (ascoli piceno)
mechanical + hydraulic engineer: giuseppe puglia / studio tecnico ing. giuseppe puglia (ascoli piceno)
safety coordinator: fabio giannini / studio di consulenza e progettazione ing. fabio giannini (comunanza, AP)
geologist: vittorio marucci / studio associato di geologia e geotecnica marucci (ascoli piceno)
surveyor: antonio morganti / studio tecnico associato morganti (spinetoli, AP)
communication consultant: marco brizzi / image media agency (firenze)