mario cucinella's mycitybari integrates green spaces to promote community bonds

MyCityBari by Mario Cucinella Architects 

Situated between Via Giuseppe Fanelli and Via Girolamo Giusso, the new residential project by Mario Cucinella Architects replaces the former Santa Lucia clinic and forms part of Bari’s broader urban regeneration plan. Through this intervention, the architects sought to create a sustainable and architecturally refined living space that fosters community and enhances residents’ quality of life. Positioned at the junction of urban and natural landscapes, the project connects the historic city center with old agricultural settlements to the south. ‘MyCityBari is a laboratory of architectural solutions that carefully balance the built space with nature, to promote social interaction and a sense of community,’ shares Mario Cucinella.

all images by Onirism

a new sustainable living environment

Developed under the leadership of Mario Cucinella Architects in collaboration with Manelli Impresa S.p.a. and its subsidiary Vivia Re S.r.l., the project received construction approval from the Municipality of Bari last September. Covering around 22,500 square meters, the complex consists of three buildings interconnected by shared basement levels and comprising 162 apartments, communal service rooms, ground-floor retail spaces, and underground parking. It aims to promote community bonds by integrating green spaces, including a park for recreation, fostering social connections, and contributing to the area’s urban renewal. The variety of outdoor areas, both communal and private, acknowledges the importance of connecting with nature and enjoying outdoor living. Embracing the site’s perimeter, the architectural design strives for continuity with the surrounding context. At its heart lies a central courtyard enveloped by terraces and balconies, creating an inviting atmosphere and scenic vistas, while prioritizing a human-centered approach and strengthening communal bonds.

creating environments for shared experiences and connections among residents

The buildings’ overall shape is sculpted to optimize sunlight penetration, gradually reducing the volume from bottom to top to form ascending planted terraces. Following the ‘solar carving’ principle, this design ensures natural light reaches even lower levels. Overhangs act as passive energy strategies, shielding from direct solar radiation, and reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Key design elements include integrated greenery, shaded areas from overhangs, and light-colored surfaces to moderate temperatures, focusing on providing comfort. These features aim to address climate change effects in southern regions, ensuring that outdoor living remains pleasant despite rising temperatures and urban heat island phenomena.

a harmonious blend of architecture and nature

the residential courtyard promotes outdoor socialization and a sense of belonging

the buildings are sculpted to optimize sunlight penetration, utilizing ascending planted terraces

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the buildings' design considers sunlight movement, shaping the structures to allow natural light into lower levels

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: MyCityBari 

architects: Mario Cucinella Architects | @mario_cucinella_architects

client: Manelli SPA

location: Bari, Italy
year: 2021
area: 20.000 sqm
status: in progress

project team

project manager: Cristina Gambioli, Damiano Comini

design leader: Michele Olivieri
design manager: Andrea Debilio, Maria Dolores Del Sol Ontalba

technical expert, design manager: Ulrich Seum

senior architect: Federica Amoruso, Francesca Fabiana Fochi
architect, BIM coordinator: Augusta Zanzillo
design team: Giorgia Castelli, Elisa Gallazzi. Endri Metaj, Gregorio Pistolesi

computational design expert: Andrea Bonafede, Andrea Bernardi

R&D unit manager: Valentina Porceddu

senior R&D specialist: Monica Palladino

visual unit manager: Alessia Monacelli

visual artist specialist: Luca Gambini, Lorenzo Mancini

collaborators

structural engineering: MAFFEIS Engineering spa

plant engineering: COPRAT
fire prevention: COPRAT
landscape design: Paisà Landscape Architecture
visual: Onirism