Architects: Beatrice Comelli Architetto, Carlo Gaspari Architetti
Location: Gissi, Italy
Area: 3768 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Iacopo Pasqui
Creating a Hub: The Sports Hall Project
Introduction:
Nestled in the charming Abruzzo countryside of Italy, the Sports Hall in Gissi stands as a testament to innovative sports architecture. Crafted by Beatrice Comelli Architetto and Carlo Gaspari Architetti, this building not only caters to the functional aspects of a sports facility but also engages with the surrounding environment, creating a dynamic dialogue with the village square.
Architectural Composition: A Visual Journey
Two-Tiered Volume:
The Sports Hall is characterized by a two-tiered volume, strategically designed to interact with its surroundings. The first level, featuring transparency with polycarbonate elements, establishes a visual connection with the external environment. In contrast, the second level employs dark concrete, adding depth and contrast to the structure.
Attractive Design Elements:
The upper part of the building, facing the parking lot, is envisioned as an inviting and warm space. Utilizing semitransparent polycarbonate, it encourages curiosity by offering glimpses of the activities inside the gym. This intentional transparency creates a visual allure for onlookers, drawing them into the world within.
Entrance and Accessibility: Welcoming Spaces
Ramp and External Cover:
An entrance ramp provides access to the building, complemented by an external cover that serves as an engaging space for those outdoors. Through a strategically placed glass window, the internal structure of the gym becomes visible from the entrance, setting the stage for the experiences within.
Dual Entrances:
Considering diverse users, the Sports Hall incorporates two entrances. The main entrance, catering to spectators, faces the street, while a secondary entrance for students and athletes is positioned on the side facing the school. This thoughtful design ensures seamless accessibility for different user groups.
Covered Shelter:
Anticipating the needs of school children, a covered shelter is planned along the garden side, offering a protected passage during inclement weather. This feature prioritizes the safety and comfort of the users, especially during rainy days.
Dynamic Facade: Play of Light and Shadow
Daytime Aesthetics:
Throughout the day, the polycarbonate elements capture the ever-changing shadows of the surrounding trees and structures. This dynamic facade creates a visually captivating display, breathing life into the building’s exterior.
Geometric Iron Cover:
The lower part of the building, shielded by black concrete, hosts the play spaces. A colored pattern enhances the internal section, while a geometric iron cover, painted in white, serves as a lattice, infusing depth and lightness into the spatial experience.
Conclusion: Harmonizing Functionality and Aesthetics
The Sports Hall in Gissi, Italy, transcends the conventional norms of sports architecture. By integrating visual appeal, accessibility, and dynamic design elements, the architects have created a facility that not only meets its functional requirements but also becomes an integral part of the village’s urban fabric. This engaging and harmonious design sets a precedent for sports architecture that goes beyond utility, embracing the aesthetic and experiential dimensions of built environments.
