enrico galeazzi envisions research lab in oil ruins of italy

enrico galeazzi envisions research lab in oil ruins of italy
all images courtesy of enrico galeazzi

the site of vallezza in emilia-romagna, italy, played an important role in the two world wars of the early 1900s. it was here, that unique yellow oil, with natural characteristics similar to those of an already refined product, was pumped directly from the reservoir to the tanks of armored vehicles. since then, the quarry has established itself as a strategic center for the extraction of hydrocarbons. this story of the organic compounds is one of the events that has most influenced and changed our way of life and the planet itself. from the 1970s to today, the extraction of hydrocarbons has not undergone a substantial technological evolution.  activity is concentrated in research and oil processing in consumer products and especially energy. it is because of these facts, that enrico galeazzi has envisioned the construction of a research lab installed inside ruins of the oil era for his project ‘alchimie’. here, scientists will study how to use microbial colonies as an alternative source of energy. with this body of work, the architect intends to represent the past while projecting a future where a conversion of existing structures, an appropriation of land transformed by humans, and an integration between man, technology, and nature occurs.

pathways enclose hexagonal patches of grass

the renovation of the ‘carpentry’ interior keeps most of the existing walls to house the main research lab. the structure is reinforced by added metal strips and a frame to protect the mechanisms.

existing ‘carpentry’ interior

rendering of the main lab

‘carpentry’ section exposing the components

the concept of the ‘forge’ calls for the embedding of a new form within the raw bricks that compose its construction. within this enclosure, a permeable skeletal system of metal is to prevent the original exterior from collapsing and help the building ‘grow inside’.

existing ‘forge’ conditions

envisioned ‘forge’ concept

the ‘forge’ will collapse itself onto a new building growing inside

‘edgar’ is an oil digester that utilizes microbes to eat the remaining oil droplets throughout the site. PVC pipes extend out of its body in order to filter pools of the substance into its tanks.

‘edgar’

‘edgar’ elevation explaining the different pieces of the machine

‘ygor’ is a construct made for testing energy produced by microbes, for example those who emit light when fed with organic waste. its long arms reach in every direction as they are maneuvered from a central control unit to maximize its efficiency.

rendering of ‘ygor’ on the site

‘ygor’ elevation

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.