LIGHTHOUSE SEA HOTEL SIRACUSA
The origin of the idea comes from the project site and its ancient roots that go
back to Ancient Greece and its temples. The idea in fact aims to reproduce the
shape and form of a greek temple inspired by the Temple of Apollo and the remains of the Temple of Artemis near Syracuse. From this comes the choice to place the building on a monolithic platform (stilobate) elevated above the surroundings through a few steps (crepidoma).
The structure that rises is characterized by circular columns whose layout is determined the structure of the various functions. The iconic figure of the temple is taken as an inspiration in the idea of an external colonnade creates a portico all around the structure allowing maximum accessibility and permeability of the same by creating multiple relationships between interior and exterior.
The orientation of the building is the same as the Greek temples with the only difference of the position of the entrance, which is located in the east side rather than west because of the access to the project area. This change gives the opportunity to place an amphitheater carved into the slope of the cliff where people can enjoy opera with the beautiful background of the Mediterranean Sea. The building plan is inspired by different types of ancient temples:
- “Anfiprosilio” for rooms;
- “In antis” for the areas dedicated to sportive activities
- “Periprtero” for services.
The result is a succession of numerous spaces characterized by different shapes and geometries. The union of these structures creates patios e multifunctional spaces where also large installations can be exhibited.
The implant shape is designed to give order to the elements on the site and has the aim to close a rectangular regular shape created by the union of the existing and the new building in perfect harmony. The project also aims to redevelop the existing buildings creating new spaces and new functions: the little house in the south, now in ruins, will be reused as services for the amphitheater and storages for the scene objects while the lighthouse will be used as a front office for hikers interested in the surrounding nature. The entire vertical covering will be realized with white Syracuse stone, noble material of the territory.
The relationship between the interior of the structure and the external environment will be guaranteed leaving the patio in its present condition allowing the guests to enjoy the beauty of the landscape. The large number of columns pays our
attention to renewable energy considerations. Using the Bernoulli's Theory and the Venturi Effect is in fact possible to conceive these columns as wind – chimneys. At the base of these cave columns fan are positioned with a dynamo.
By the power of the wind at an hight altitude, this create a difference pressure from the bottom to the top of the columns. This effect '' drains '' the air from below, moving the fan and creating energy.
This is the phisical law that airbrush follows. Regard to the number of columns and the presence of windy currents in that area, the generation of a large amount of energy is expected. The same hollow columns also become inlet to collect rainwater. The same water is channeled through pipes laid on the base of the temple in tanks before being reused for irrigation of the surrounding soil.
