Piazza del Municipio
Goffredo Serrini / Claudio Zagaglia
San Giustino
The frequency of one’s steps can be considered a unit of measure in determining a space across which one walks. Goffredo Serrini and Claudio Zagaglia intervene in the steps of those crossing Piazza San Giustino in Perugia, inserting into the sandstone paving pale rhythmic Istria stone elements, just as the colonnades of sacred places rhythmically stressed the parishioners’ approach to the altars. From here, strategy becomes organiser of the space, widened by the paths crossing the entire square. The latter is arranged horizontally in bands dictated by the flow of people, with paving compositions in keeping with the buildings. It is in this way that this recently paved square seeks integration with pre-existing elements, offering itself as a candidate for the role of organising element amongst incoherent constructed episodes.
Material complexity is enriched by the use of both sandstone and colombino. The first is bushhammered, the second particularly lined, making for safer conditions for passers-by in the event of ice.
The introduction of urban furniture and green areas complete the project, in respect of the overall design and minimal variation in altitude. Accurately incised and inscribed elements have been inserted into the folds of the paving and the raised elements. Scrupulous attention has been given to the borders of the paved areas in relief. The theme of water is embraced in the sense of urban presence, as well as in the technical sense of collecting and drainage, achieved through an elegant design and the complicity of the paving material. The basin is a three-dimensional element emerging from the public space, with a dry-mounted vertical cladding of dressed Istria stone ashlars. The repertoire of laying methods is therefore particularly extensive and proposes traditional ones using mortar, and others using mechanical fixing systems, mortar in grey cement paste and other dark hues, or vice versa contrasts of pale colours. Furnishing and lighting solutions are integrated into the ashlars, while other objects possess their own autonomy and character.
Material complexity is enriched by the use of both sandstone and colombino. The first is bushhammered, the second particularly lined, making for safer conditions for passers-by in the event of ice.
The introduction of urban furniture and green areas complete the project, in respect of the overall design and minimal variation in altitude. Accurately incised and inscribed elements have been inserted into the folds of the paving and the raised elements. Scrupulous attention has been given to the borders of the paved areas in relief. The theme of water is embraced in the sense of urban presence, as well as in the technical sense of collecting and drainage, achieved through an elegant design and the complicity of the paving material. The basin is a three-dimensional element emerging from the public space, with a dry-mounted vertical cladding of dressed Istria stone ashlars. The repertoire of laying methods is therefore particularly extensive and proposes traditional ones using mortar, and others using mechanical fixing systems, mortar in grey cement paste and other dark hues, or vice versa contrasts of pale colours. Furnishing and lighting solutions are integrated into the ashlars, while other objects possess their own autonomy and character.
