Revitalizing History: The Urban Renewal of Crecchio Old Town

Rocco Valentini's Award-Winning Approach to Public Space Restoration

Rocco Valentini's design was inspired by the landscape, history, and local tradition of Crecchio. The medieval camp was transformed into a square, tripods became streetlights, and the castle's battlements inspired the form of bollards that double as benches and lamps. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where contemporary design elements echo the town's rich history.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its architectural language. Valentini sought to create a union between the uniqueness of spaces and objects designed and a strict and rigid simplification of the new lines and surfaces in the project. The aim was to achieve a harmony between the new and the existing, without allowing the former to overshadow the latter.

The project involved the restoration and innovation of public spaces through the use and reuse of traditional materials with a contemporary design. Corten steel, known for its low maintenance costs and rustic look, was used for the cube traffic bollards and lighting system. Local sandstone was used for retaining walls, balustrades, and small walls of street furniture. The project also involved the transformation of existing elements into new objects with different functions, achieving chromatic harmony with the medieval town and landscape.

Valentini's design covers a public space of over 3000 square meters, used for parties, concerts, exhibitions, and events. Some spaces can be used as parking areas and exhibition areas. The cubes of corten steel, dubbed "cubitria", function as bollards, seats, and can be disassembled and reassembled differently. The lighting system trilogy becomes the support of climbing plants, adding a touch of green to the urban landscape.

The project, which started in 2012 and was completed in 2016, was not without its challenges. Valentini and his team had to combine the rules of protection of the historical center with a contemporary design that respects the historic site. The result is a testament to their creativity and technical prowess, a design that respects and enhances the town's cultural heritage.

The Urban Renewal of Crecchio Old Town has been recognized for its excellence in design, winning the Silver A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. It is a fitting accolade for a project that has breathed new life into a historic town, demonstrating the transformative power of design.