Former Convent Re-use
Competition / Finalist Proposal
Former convent of San Nicola, Scandriglia (RI), Italy, 2013
With: Fabiana Cesarani
Collaborator: Anita Sala
Surface: 2.020mq
The restoration and adaptive re-use of the former convent of San Nicola must be understood within a broader geographical framework: the Regional Natural Park of the Lucretili Mountains. The project envisions transforming the building into one of the park’s new gateways, incorporating a visitor center, an environmentally focused research hub, a small school, and training facilities.
These new functions will be organized within a flexible system, capable of adapting to the needs of different user groups. The restored convent is designed to serve as a point of reference for the so-called “third-generation tourists”: visitors who are less interested in comfort and luxury, and more drawn to experiencing the local spirit, traditions, and historical character of the site.
The intervention identifies three distinct areas within the convent, corresponding to the current state of conservation—good, intermediate, and poor. Each area, recovered according to a philological approach, is assigned a specific function: spaces in better condition will host promotional activities, those in intermediate condition will accommodate hospitality functions, while the more fragile areas will be dedicated to administration.