The renovation of Piazza Italia
The renovation of Piazza Italia in Acqui Terme (Alessandria) was developed by evaluating the context and the two portions of the square on which insist the two monumental structures to which we turned our attention: the Fountain of Nymphes and the circular Fountain of Nymphs.
Corresponding to the majestic sloping sequence of pools was the Fountain of the Nymphs, from which the main shopping streets of the City of Acqui Terme depart in a radial pattern. Both Fountains are made of solid Carrara marble and were designed about 20 years ago by Arch. Gaspare De Fiore in a classical style and with mythological references also to the beneficial and healing qualities of the waters in which the Nymphs dwelt. Unfortunately, over the years many inconsistent modifications have led to a progressive general degradation for the two Fountains from the considerable encumbrance for the square, depriving it of connections.
The study considered intervening on the two portions of the square as if they were divided into two lots: the first related to the arrangement of the sector connected to the Fountain of Nymphs and the second aimed at the reconfiguration of the circular Fountain of Nymphs. Considering that the former area was more degraded with structural instabilities and had also been deprived of the significant original bas-relief, with the nymphs precisely, in addition to the fact that the water pools had been filled with earth with the placement of an olive tree in the center.
The project considered several aspects. In the area of the Fountain of Nymphs along the side paths, seating and a lighting system were planned for the evening, considering the development of the Fountain sloping down, it was decided to place a series of canopies that could be support for the sophisticated lighting system and could over time be enriched with plant creepers also to prepare a shaded portion during the day. The canopies also represent a green margin adjacent to the beautiful park of the Liceo Classico and have greatly enhanced the area by enabling and promoting the social liveability of the space of the area around the Fountain.
The Fountain of Nymphs having completely lost its original identity has been simplified in some features while preserving its circular shape. On the outdoor pool, the water surface has been brought back, while in the central portion water jets have been inserted where children can play. A series of curved double-sided benches here also allow seating and viewing from different angles of the central square as a whole.
