The project of the lighthouse in the Giglio Island is a creation that should be aimed towards fulfilling both technical and commemorative requirements. It must be a Lighthouse as well as a monument in remembrance of the tragedy victims.
Starting from these assumptions we decided to first project a sculptural object, and obelisk, referring to its commemorative value made from typical local granite. Next we carved the stone, cutting the material off from this monumental monolith opening the topside allowing the light to exit thus typifying the entire structure. Making reference to the characteristic Beacon's typology drawing, a quadrangular taped shape, brought immediate recognition to the Lighthouse.
In consideration of the celebratory role of the Lighthouse, it must be evaluated as a public monument open for visitation. Our unique creation of a transcendental path for the stairway adds character to the Lighthouse. This approach will do more than just allow visitors to entire and pass through. It will raise their curiosity, and encourage them to seek out the light at the top. The sunlight shines in this space through thirty-two slits in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Concordia disaster. These openings symbolise the cuts and scars engraved in the Lighthouse stone of those thirty-two lives that are etched in the memory of the island.
Simultaneously we focused on the romantic figure of the Lighthouse guardian. He represents an important part of the Lighthouse who contributed to create its fascinating image. For this reason we have considered him as an unavoidable figure. In our Beacon, this person must be a Light guardian as well as a monumental watchman so we decided to include in the project a house. Thanks to the new technologies, the guardian is no longer required to reside inside the Lighthouse or next to it. In fact he can supervise the Lighthouse status right from a monitor screen.
Therefore we decided to divide the monument and the private house making them independent parts of the same concept. This approach remarked the dichotomy between the public monumental Lighthouse, and the introverted guardian's dwelling. The first one dominates the peak of the rock, and the second one is secluded and nestled into the nature. As previously mentioned, we projected an introverted space reflecting the solitary figure of the Lighthouse guardian. We opened a small courtyard and two windows to enlighten the interior and exalt the relationship with the nature around. To highlight the connection of the four elements we decided to frame the sea and Lighthouse by the two windows, and the sky and rocks by the courtyard. Thus distinguishing the contract between the introverted nature of the house, and the open character of the Lighthouse.
